Polymorphic light eruption on the arm



	The cause of polymorphous light eruption is unknown. It usually appears 1 to 2 days following exposure to sunlight and may last up to one week. It is more common during adolescence and young adulthood, and occurs more frequently in females. It appears as recurrent redness (erythematous) and/or blistered patches (plaques). It may be an inherited disease in certain Native American groups.

Review Date: 5/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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