MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Polymorphic light eruption on the arm

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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.

Update Date: 4/28/2006

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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