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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe cause of polymorphous light eruption is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is a wavelength of sunlight in a range too short for the human eye to see. Commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds also produce UV radiation. UV light is divided into three wavelength bands — ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC). Only UVA and UVB rays reach the earth.
UVA radiation is most likely to trigger polymorphous light eruption. But some people react to UVB rays or both UVA and UVB rays. Why some people are more sensitive to UV radiation is unknown.
- Morison WL. Photosensitivity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2004;350:1111.
- Habif TP. Light-related diseases and disorders of pigmentation. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/112343683-3/0/1195/133.html?tocnode=51442249&fromURL=133.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50021-2--cesec54_2402. Accessed Dec. 2, 2008.
- The sun and your skin. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_sun.html. Accessed Dec. 3, 2008.
- DeLeo V. Sunscreen use in photodermatoses. Dermatology Clinics. 2006;24:27.
- Hawk JL, et al. Abnormal responses to ultraviolet radiation: Idiopathic, probably immunologic, and photo-exacerbated. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2979797. Accessed Dec. 2, 2008.
- Millard TP, et al. Photosensitivity disorders: Cause, effect and management. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2002;3:239.
- Bickers DR. Photosensitivity and other reactions to light. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2868622. Accessed Dec. 3, 2008.
- Benseler SM, et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America. 2007;33:471.
- FDA approves a new over-the-counter sunscreen product. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01417.html. Accessed Dec. 10, 2008.
