POLYMORPHOUS LIGHT ERUPTION-A CASE REPORT

Polymorphic Light Eruption is an abnormal cutaneous response which occurs on exposure to sunlight. No such data, however, is available from our country even though the exposure to sunlight is high. Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a common form of photodermatosis. The pathogenesis of the disease and the mechanism of the hardening phenomenon, however, have not been clarified. The previous study done by Watanab M et al. said that the hardening phenomenon in their case might be due to immunosuppression by UV exposure supported by the down-regulation of cell adhesion molecule expression and partially due to the depletion of endogenous antigens which cause a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. PMLE is commonly observed in females between 21 - 30 years of age. Pruritus is the chief complaint and the time required for the development of rash increases with time of sun exposure. Most common morphological type is papule on the forearm. Papules and plaque type of lesions of PMLE of longer duration clinched the histopathological diagnosis.