If you experience an itchy or burning rash after sun exposure, you might have polymorphous light eruption (PMLE).
PMLE is a common type of sun allergy. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to sunlight or ultraviolet light, triggering uncomfortable skin reactions.
Although it often affects people who aren’t used to intense sunlight, even frequent sunbathers aren’t immune.
Here, we'll break down what might trigger it, the factors that can contribute to it, and most importantly, what you can do to deal with it so you can still enjoy sunny days without stressing.
Symptoms of Polymorphous Light Eruption
PMLE shows itself through various skin symptoms. The most frequently experienced reactions involve a range of skin changes on sun-exposed areas. More severe symptoms can also develop in some individuals.
Common Signs of PMLE
PMLE often shows up as symmetrical skin changes on sun-exposed areas such as the face, upper chest, and arms. The most common signs people notice are small bumps or slightly raised patches, which can sometimes come with tiny blisters and a really intense itch.
What PMLE looks like can be very different for everyone, so what you experience might be a bit unique to you. Symptoms usually appear within 30 minutes of being in the sun, but sometimes they can take a bit longer to appear.
- Redness on exposed skin (erythema)
- Burning or stinging feeling
- Persistent itch (pruritus)
- Slight swelling
- Small bumps (papules), blisters, or firm nodules
- Peeling skin
- Dry, crusty patches
Severe Symptoms
In severe cases of sun sensitivity, the symptoms can be more intense. This might lead to widespread symptoms like:
- Mild headache
- Slight nausea
- Feeling momentarily dizzy
- Mild fever
- Shortness of breath
How your skin reacts can vary depending on factors like the amount and length of sun exposure, the strength of the UV rays, your skin type, and your body's natural reaction. The rash typically occurs on sun-exposed areas, but it can sometimes appear elsewhere.
The good news is that if you take care of your skin and avoid more sun, these symptoms usually get better in about a week.
What Causes Polymorphous Light Eruption?
Polymorphous light eruption is essentially a sun allergy. This means the immune system plays a significant role in triggering the condition.
The Role of Sun Allergy
Sun allergy is a real condition, and polymorphous light eruption is a common example. PMLE happens when your immune system overreacts to UV rays from the sun. Symptoms usually show up hours or even days after you've been in the sun.
Risk Factors for PMLE
- Sex: Women are more affected than men.
- Skin type: Fair-skinned individuals are more susceptible to this form of sun allergy.
- Geographic location: People in Nordic climates are more prone to PMLE, possibly due to the contrast between prolonged periods of low UV exposure in winter and the sudden increase in intense sunlight during spring and early summer.
- Age: Most cases start between ages 20–40, though younger adults are increasingly affected.
- Family history: A family history of PMLE or other photosensitivity disorders may increase the likelihood of experiencing this type of sun reaction.
Factors Contributing to PMLE
- Contact with chemicals: Certain substances, such as those found in perfumes, disinfectants, cosmetics, and specific ingredients in chemical sunscreens, can react with sunlight on the skin. This can trigger a photoallergic response and potentially lead to eczema or other skin irritations.
- Medications: Some medications, including tetracycline antibiotics, analgesics, sulfa drugs, antifungals, and certain blood pressure medications, can cause phototoxic reactions. This can make the skin more prone to burning and potentially trigger PMLE in susceptible individuals.
- Pre-existing skin conditions: Conditions such as dermatitis, Sjögren's syndrome, or lupus may increase the risk of sun allergy, including PMLE.
Understanding the Precise Cause of PMLE
The precise cause of PMLE isn't fully understood, but researchers believe that genetics are likely involved. They have also suggested possible links to hormone levels, such as estrogen, low vitamin D, and even the bugs that live on your skin or your skin's microbiome.
While they're still looking into all the reasons, experts do know for sure the rash is brought on by exposure to both UVA and UVB rays.
Managing Polymorphous Light Eruption
You can take proactive steps that can make living with PMLE easier. This includes knowing when to consult a doctor and implementing some simple measures to protect your skin from the sun.
When to Get Help for PMLE
If you have any strange or uncomfortable reactions after being in the sun, it's advisable to talk to a doctor. If the sun allergy symptoms don't go away or get worse, a dermatologist can figure out what's going on and help you manage it. They might:
- Ask about your health history.
- Ask about products you use and any medications you take.
- Do special skin tests to find out what's causing it.
- Do a light test to see how your skin reacts to different types of light.
Simple Ways to Stay Sun-Safe with PMLE
You can still enjoy the sun even if you have PMLE. These sun-safe habits can help prevent flare-ups of this common sun allergy. Here's what you can do:
- Pay attention to when the sun is strongest (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- Wear clothes that cover your skin, like wide hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves and pants when you can.
- Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 on all your exposed skin, even when it's cloudy. You should put it on again every 2 hours.
Key Ingredients in Sun Supplements for PMLE Support
There is some evidence that indicates ingredients like polypodium leucotomos extract, beta carotene, and astaxanthin may offer benefits for individuals with PMLE.
These are the very ingredients that 360 Sun Shield contains, aiming to nourish, repair, and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Remember, it's always best to discuss any supplement use with your dermatologist to make sure it's appropriate for you and to get the right advice on dosage.
Living Fully with PMLE
PMLE doesn't have to keep you stuck indoors! By figuring out what your triggers are and taking proactive steps, you can have fewer flare-ups and enjoy being in the sunlight with confidence.