Characteristics of diagnosed polymorphous light eruption.
BACKGROUND
The characteristics of polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) have been described in patients evaluated and diagnosed at specialized photodermatology centers. Our goal was to describe the characteristics of PMLE diagnosed in a general clinic setting.


METHODS
We used electronic medical records to identify patients diagnosed with PMLE from 2000 to 2002 within a large group practice. We then collected additional information from medical records about patient demographics, lesion morphology, diagnostic testing, and therapies for the selected patients.


RESULTS
We identified 142 patients with diagnosed PMLE. After manual chart review, we excluded 18 patients with other forms of photosensitivity, eczema, or collagen vascular disease. Eighty-percent of the remaining 124 patients were diagnosed by a dermatologist during the study period. Females predominated in our patient series and the mean age of PMLE onset was 37.8 years. Lesions were commonly described as papular, edematous papulare, papulo-vesicular, eczematous, and plaque-like. Few skin biopsies were performed, and no patient had phototesting or photopatch testing. Topical corticosteroids and antihistamines were the most commonly prescribed therapies. Only four patients were treated with phototherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient demographics and lesion morphology in our cohort were similar to other reports, but patterns of diagnostic testing and treatment were somewhat different than those observed in photodermatology clinics.
Naleway
Allison L
AL
Epidemiology Research Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, WI, USA. allison.naleway@kpchr.org
Greenlee
Robert T
RT
Melski
John W
JW
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017677:Age Distribution; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004485:Eczema / Q000473:pathology; D004487:Edema / Q000473:pathology; D004582:Electronics, Medical / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists