Tsui C. Ling

Polymorphic light eruption occurs in 18% of Europeans and does not show higher prevalence with increasing latitude: multicenter survey of 6,895 individuals residing from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia.

Schneider MR, Antsiferova M, Feldmeyer L, Dahlhoff M, Bugnon P, Hasse S et al. (2008a) Betacellulin regulates hair follicle development and hair cycle induction and enhances angiogenesis in wounded skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 128:1256–65 Schneider MR, Werner S, Paus R, Wolf E (2008b) Beyond wavy hairs: the epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in skin biology and pathology. Am J Pathol 173:14–24

Treatment of polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is a highly prevalent photosensitivity disorder, estimated to affect 11–21% people in temperate countries. Typically, PLE appears as a recurrent pruritic eruption comprising papules and/or vesicles and/or plaques, which occurs on photo‐exposed skin sites following sun exposure, and which heals without scarring. Commoner in females, the aetiology is uncertain, although there is evidence of an immune basis. We perform a review of the prophylaxis and treatment of this condition. While sun protection, corticosteroids and desensitization phototherapy are the mainstays of management, a range of anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents are reported.

A questionnaire survey of attitudes to and usage of sunscreens in northwest England

Background/Purpose: Sunscreens are employed with the aim of reducing the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), but little is known about their use in the UK.

Evidence of high levels of anxiety and depression in polymorphic light eruption and their association with clinical and demographic variables.

Background  Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) is a prevalent photosensitivity condition associated with psychological distress.

Impact of photosensitivity disorders on the life quality of children

Abnormal cutaneous sensitivity to the ultraviolet and/or visible radiation in sunlight characterizes photosensitivity disorders. Little is known regarding their impact in childhood. Our objective was to characterize childhood photosensitivity disorders presenting to a photoinvestigation unit, evaluating their impact on quality of life (QoL).

Sunscreen photopatch testing: a series of 157 children

Photoprotection including sunscreen use in children is encouraged by health campaigns. While sunscreen chemicals are common causes of photoallergic (PA) contact reactions in adults, limited data are available in children.

Comparison of Demographic and Photobiological Features of Chronic Actinic Dermatitis in Patients With Lighter vs Darker Skin Types

Importance Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is classically described in older, white men, although increasing reports describe younger patients with darker skin types, particularly South Asians. Photocontact allergy occurs in CAD but is less studied than contact allergy in this exquisitely photosensitive condition. Objective To evaluate for differences in demographic and photobiological features between persons with darker and lighter skin types who have CAD. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective review included 70 consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing investigation for photosensitivity who were diagnosed with CAD from November 1, 2000, through August 31, 2015, at the specialist Photobiology Unit of a tertiary academic referral center. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient age, sex, ethnicity, clinical features, and phototesting outcomes. Results A total of 70 patients (37 men [53%] and 33 women [47%]; mean [SD] age, 50.9 [2.3] years) were diagnosed with CAD. Of these, 36 were non-Hispanic and non-Latino white, 31 were Asian (including 24 South Asian, 4 East Asian, and 3 Middle Eastern), and 3 were black. Patients were aged 9 to 83 years at diagnosis, with a mean (SD) age at onset of 42.6 (2.4) years and duration of disease of 8.8 (1.3) years. Forty-one had lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV), and 29 had darker skin types (Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI). Patients with darker skin types and CAD were younger at diagnosis (mean [SD] age, 40.7 [3.5] vs 58.1 [2.5] years; P < . 001) and had earlier onset of photosensitivity (mean [SD] age, 35.5 [3.9] vs 47.5 [2.9] years; P = .01) compared with patients with lighter skin types. Of note, the male to female ratio in the lighter skin group was 2:1 compared with 1:2 in the darker skin group. Phototest reactions were equally severe in Fitzpatrick skin types V to VI and I to IV, with minimal erythemal doses to monochromatic UV-B, UV-A, and visible radiation and broadband provocation testing showing similar results. Photoallergic contact reactions to UV filters, personal sunscreen products, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were seen in both groups; 14 of 61 patients (23%) undergoing photopatch testing showed positive photopatch reactions. Conclusions and Relevance Chronic actinic dermatitis presents with an earlier age at onset and an inverted male to female ratio in patients with darker compared with lighter skin types. Clinicians should thus be cognizant of CAD in younger women with darker skin types. Photopatch testing should be considered in patients with CAD, with coexistent photocontact allergy occurring in a substantial proportion.