Familial polymorphous light eruption of American Indians
A rare, chronic photodermatosis linked to HLA-DR4.
Familial polymorphous light eruption of American Indians is a rare photodermatosis that develops in childhood and is chronic and persistent. It is associated with the human leukocyte antigen HLA-DR4. Some medical experts consider it to be a variant of polymorphous light eruption (PMLE).
Quick Facts
- Associated hla type
- HLA-DR4
- Onset
- childhood
- Course
- chronic and persistent
Facts from the source article.
Symptoms
The condition presents as itchy, inflamed papules, nodules, and plaques on the skin. Lesions typically appear hours or days after UV light exposure, mainly on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, hands, and legs. However, lesions may also occur on covered skin, complicating diagnosis. Symptoms worsen in spring and summer.
Treatment
There is no cure; treatment focuses on symptom relief. Options include topical creams like Tacrolimus and Betamethasone, and systemic immunosuppressants such as Prednisone. Thalidomide has proven effective in some cases. Patients are advised to minimize sun exposure and use strong sunscreen year-round, as UVA penetrates cloud cover. UV-A desensitization phototherapy and alternative methods like UV hardening or meditation may also help.
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