Polymorphic photodermatosis is considered by many to be a harmless skin reaction to the sun's rays, when the patient is bothered by itching and redness in exposed areas of the skin. But data from epidemiological studies have shown that this dermatosis can contribute to the development of diseases such as streptococcal pyoderma, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Ultraviolet radiation, among other external factors affecting the skin, is considered the worst and most dangerous, since it not only accelerates its aging, but also provokes dangerous diseases.
Dermatosis polymorphism is an inflammatory disorder of skin photosensitivity characterized by pruritic papules and/or vesicles occurring on sun-exposed areas of the body. Although this condition occurs in all races, its frequency increases as latitude decreases. The disease, which typically presents within the first three decades of life, can occur at any time and has a familial prevalence.
Polymorphic photodermatosis refers to idiopathic photodermatosis. The true nature of the disease is still in question, although many scientists are inclined to the concept of a delayed allergic reaction. In some cases, photodermatosis disappears spontaneously, but most often it has a chronic course.
Clinical characteristics and course of polymorphic photodermatosis
In most cases, there is a history of pruritic burning or tingling, erythematous papular/vesicular eruption on sun-exposed areas of the skin, especially in spring and summer, but not in the winter months. A typical history of severe lesion is described as the onset of itching with papules after 15 minutes of exposure to spring or summer sun, either immediately after sun exposure or several days later. The rash disappears within the next 2-3 days. Itching often leads to scratching. Patients often describe the phenomenon of hardening, where over time the rash requires more and more sunlight to develop.
Treatment of polymorphic photodermatosis - means and methods
There is currently no cure for this disease. Regardless of the use of treatment methods, this condition recurs year after year. In the case of active photodermatosis lesions, improvement is achieved with the help of powerful topical steroids.
For many people, photodermatosis is a minor problem that only occurs on holidays in areas with sunny climates. In general, these patients can be successfully treated by emphasizing the need for a gradual increase in sun exposure (hardening). The emphasis in recommendations for appropriate behavior in this disease is to minimize exposure to ultraviolet radiation during the period of maximum solar activity (from 10 to 15 hours). Broad spectrum sun protection is recommended.
Recommended therapies include desensitization, artificial hardening using phototherapy (UVB) or photochemotherapy (PUVA). Some patients who are especially sensitive to photodermatosis are advised to take systemic steroids during the course of desensitization. After desensitization, patients are advised to be careful about being in the sun and not change their behavior towards uncontrolled “absorption” of the sun's rays.
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