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Clin Dermatol 2018 May - Jun;36(3):369-375. Epub 2018 Mar 21.

Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.

Topical sunscreens are the mainstay for protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. With skin cancer rates on the rise and great interest in reversing or preventing the effects of photoaging, new molecules with potential to defend against UV damage have received a great deal of attention. Specifically, there is a growing interest in herbal substances that offer protection against the damaging effects of UV rays. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018 Jun 10. Epub 2018 Jun 10.

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI.

Photodermatoses represent a heterogeneous collection of disorders unified by the characteristic of being provoked through exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Generally, these conditions are classified into the following categories: immunologically mediated photodermatoses, chemical- and drug-induced photosensitivity, photoaggravated dermatoses, and photosensitivity associated with defective DNA repair mechanisms or chromosomal instabilities. The list of photodermatoses is extensive and each individual photodermatosis is understood to a different extent. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2017 ;996:111-122

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India.

Skin colour (specifically in relation to its melanin content and composition) has a marked influence on its interaction with ultraviolet light. Eumelanin has mainly photoprotective properties while pheomelanin has the ability to cause formation of reactive oxygen species. This difference is responsible for the difference in incidence and presentation of various idiopathic photodermatoses in dark skinned patients compared to those with lighter skin types. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2017 ;996:61-70

University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.

Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the commonest immuno-mediated photodermatosis. It occurs after solar or artificial UV-light exposure and affects only the sun-exposed areas with preference of the V-area of the chest, of arms and forearms, legs, upper part of the back, and rarely the face. The lesions are itching or burning, and vary morphologically from erythema to papules, vesico-papules and occasionally blisters, plaques, sometimes erythema multiforme-like, insect bite-like wheals and purpura. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2018 Apr;19(2):223-235

Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, 51 Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010, Créteil, France.

Vitamin D plays a key role in skeletal and cardiovascular disorders, cancers, central nervous system diseases, reproductive diseases, infections, and autoimmune and dermatological disorders. The two main sources of vitamin D are sun exposure and oral intake, including vitamin D supplementation and dietary intake. Multiple factors are linked to vitamin D status, such as Fitzpatrick skin type, sex, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake, and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms. Read More

Biotechnol Adv 2017 Nov 17;35(6):751-757. Epub 2017 Jul 17.

Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Institute of Dermatology & Venereology of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China. Electronic address:

Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) which is one of the most common photodermatoses has been demonstrated to be immune-mediated disorder. Resistance to UV-induced immunosuppression resulting from differential immune cells infiltration and cytokines secretion has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of PLE. In this study, we reviewed differential patterns of immune cells infiltrations and cytokines secretion that may contribute to PLE occurrence and development. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2017 Aug 22;42(6):708-710. Epub 2017 May 22.

Department of Dermatology, Hospital del Mar-Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.

Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2017 Jun;60(6):605-617

Abteilung Allergologie, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63225, Langen, Deutschland.

Background: Multiple environmental exposures may derange the regulatory and repair mechanisms of the skin and lead to dermatological disease.

Objectives: Provide an overview of non-allergic skin diseases associated with environmental factors.

Materials And Methods: Review of current scientific evidence for associations of non-allergic skin diseases with environmental exposures: irritation, chemicals, infection, UV-radiation, temperature. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2017 05 13;33(3):172-175. Epub 2017 Mar 13.

Department of Dermatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.

J Dermatol 2018 Jan 2;45(1):109-110. Epub 2017 Feb 2.

Department of Dermatology, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan.

Semin Diagn Pathol 2017 May 14;34(3):273-284. Epub 2016 Dec 14.

Section of Dermatopathology, Division of Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology, University of Virginia Medical Center, Room 3020 University of Virginia Hospital, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0214, USA. Electronic address:

Some cutaneous inflammatory disorders are typified by a predominant or exclusive localization in the dermis. They can be further subdivided by the principal cell types into lymphocytic, neutrophilic, and eosinophilic infiltrates, and mixtures of them are also seen in a proportion of cases. This review considers such conditions. Read More

Dermatol Online J 2016 Jun 15;22(6). Epub 2016 Jun 15.

UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common photodermatosis characterized by pruritic papules and papulovesicles, which appear hours to days following ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Herein, the authors report successful treatment of generalized plaque psoriasis with Goeckerman regimen in a patient despite new onset iatrogenic PMLE following narrowband (NB) UVB therapy. Although further studies are necessary, this case suggests that the co-existence of psoriasis and PMLE should not prevent the use of phototherapy; phototherapy, especially as part of the Goeckerman regimen, remains a valuable treatment option for psoriasis in patients with PMLE. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2016 Jun;26(3):304-6

Photobiology Unit, "Andreas Sygros" Hospital for Skin, Venereal Diseases, First Department of Dermatology, University of Athens Medical School, Greece - 5 I Dragoumi Str, 16121 Athens.

Wien Med Wochenschr 2016 May 13;166(7-8):250-3. Epub 2016 Jan 13.

Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Lozenetz, Koziak street 1, 1407, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Lupus tumidus is a rare immunological disorder whose pathogenesis is not fully understood. Although on the one hand there are some differences in (1) the clinical morphology of lesions, (2) the histopathology picture, as well as in (3) serological profile of lupus tumidus patients at the current moment, the disease is regarded as a subform of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Differential diagnosis requires the exclusion of many diseases such as Jessner Kanoff lymphocytic infiltration, polymorphous light eruption, and reticular erythematous mucinosis. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2015 Sep;37(9):721-3

*Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY; †Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; ‡Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO; §Advanced Dermatology of Westchester, PLLC, Tarrytown, NY; ¶Dermpath Diagnostics, Port Chester, NY; and ‖Department of Pathology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.

Juvenile spring eruption (JSE) is a unique condition that typically affects the helices of the ears of boys and young men. The classical clinical picture of JSE includes the abrupt onset of lesions after spending time outdoors in the early spring. Because of the papulovesicular nature of the rash and the history of sun exposure, JSE is considered a variant of polymorphous light eruption. Read More

Indian Dermatol Online J 2015 Jul-Aug;6(4):294-6

Department of Dermatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Ponekkara, Kochi, Kerala, India.

Wilderness Environ Med 2015 Dec 10;26(4):525-30. Epub 2015 Jul 10.

Division of Dermatology (Dr Colven), University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Objective: Previously unclassified inflammatory skin lesions referred to as sun bumps have been observed throughout the year on participants of wilderness trips; however, the underlying cause and diagnosis remain unclear. The purpose of this prospective observational study was to document the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors associated with these skin lesions as they occurred on a winter wilderness expedition.

Methods: For this study, the lesions were defined as pruritic or erythematous skin lesions occurring while in the wilderness. Read More

Oxf Med Case Reports 2014 Nov 18;2014(8):145-7. Epub 2014 Nov 18.

Hartford Hospital , Hartford, CT , USA.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is a common acquired disease entity belonging to the idiopathic photodermatoses that is uncommonly considered in the Hispanic population. The pathogenesis of the disease and the mechanism of adaptation in skin (hardening phenomenon) have yet to be elucidated. PMLE is characterized by recurrent abnormal delayed reactions to sunlight ranging from pruritic erythematous papules, papulovesicles and plaques to erythema multiforme. Read More

J Cutan Pathol 2015 Oct 21;42(10):722-9. Epub 2015 May 21.

Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Increased dermal mucin is a feature of lupus erythematosus (LE); however, its amount and distribution have not been well characterized. The differentiation of LE from other forms of dermatitis can be challenging when other features of LE are subtle or equivocal. One hundred and thirty-five skin specimens showing LE, graft vs. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2015 Mar;14(3):254-61

Various extracts of polypodium leucotomos (PLE) applied topically or taken orally have been shown to have several beneficial antioxidant, photoprotectant, antimutagenic, and immunoregulatory effects. Modern studies have evaluated the efficacy of PLE orally as a photoprotective agent and for use in several photo-aggravated dermatologic disorders such as polymorphous light eruption, other photodermatoses, and melasma. No articles have been published evaluating the safety of PLE. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2014 Sep;36(9):705-9

Departments of *Dermatology, and †Pathology, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.

Background: Follicular mucinosis coexisting with lymphoproliferative disorders has been thoroughly debated. However, it has been rarely reported in association with inflammatory disorders.

Methods: Thirteen cases have been retrieved, and those with cutaneous lymphoma or alopecia mucinosa were excluded. Read More

Curr Top Med Chem 2014 ;14(12):1418-24

Escape Therapeutics, Inc., 5941 Optical Court, San Jose, CA 95138, USA.

Short sequence amino acids or oligopeptides have recently garnered attention for use as treatments for a myriad of dermatologic disorders due to their ability to effect and modulate various biological processes in the epidermis and dermis, rendering them promising candidates as medical and cosmeceutical therapeutics. Major advantages include their relative ease of synthesis and multitude of modifications that can be applied to enhance potency, affinity, specificity, hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity and cytotoxicity. Given the photoprotective effects of eumelanin on skin, there has been substantial interest in developing agents, particularly α-MSH analogs, that can induce 'sunless tanning' helping reduce risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2014 Jul;32(3):385-98, ix

Dermatology Department, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Beaumont, Dublin 9, Ireland; National Photodermatology Unit, Dermatology Department, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland.

Photoaggravated skin disorders are diseases that occur without UV radiation but are sometimes or frequently exacerbated by UV radiation. In conditions, such as lupus erythematosus, photoaggravation occurs in a majority of patients, whereas in conditions, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, only a subset of patients demonstrate photoaggravation. Polymorphous light eruption is a common photodermatosis in all skin types, making it important to differentiate photoaggravation of an underlying disorder, such as lupus erythematosus, from superimposed polymorphous light eruption. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2014 Jul;32(3):315-34, viii

Research Unit for Photodermatology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, Graz A-8036, Austria. Electronic address:

Polymorphous light eruption is an immunologically mediated photodermatosis with high prevalence, particularly among young women in temperate climates, characterized by pruritic skin lesions of variable morphology, occurring in spring or early summer on sun-exposed body sites. A resistance to ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced immunosuppression and a subsequent delayed-type hypersensitivity response to a photoantigen have been suggested as key factors in the disease. Molecular and immunologic disturbances associated with disease pathogenesis include a failure of skin infiltration by neutrophils and other regulatory immune cells on UVR exposure linked to a disturbed cytokine microenvironment. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2014 Jul 5;32(3):277-90, vii. Epub 2014 May 5.

Department of Dermatology, UAB Skin Diseases Research Center, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham VA Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, EFH 414, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0009, USA.

The discipline that investigates the biologic effects of ultraviolet radiation on the immune system is called photoimmunology. Photoimmunology evolved from an interest in understanding the role of the immune system in skin cancer development and why immunosuppressed organ transplant recipients are at a greatly increased risk for cutaneous neoplasms. In addition to contributing to an understanding of the pathogenesis of nonmelanoma skin cancer, the knowledge acquired about the immunologic effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure has provided an understanding of its role in the pathogenesis of other photodermatologic diseases. Read More

Dermatol Clin 2014 Jul 5;32(3):267-75, vii. Epub 2014 May 5.

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Henry Ford Hospital, 3031 West Grand Boulevard, Suite 800, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Electronic address:

The systematic evaluation of photosensitive patients involves a comprehensive history, physical examination, phototesting, and, if necessary, photopatch testing and laboratory evaluation. Polymorphous light eruption, chronic actinic dermatitis, solar urticaria, and photosensitivity secondary to systemic medications are the most commonly encountered photodermatoses in dermatology clinics worldwide. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2014 Mar;7(3):13-7

Director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology, Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York.

Introduction: Extracts of the tropical fern Polypodium leucotomos appear to possess beneficial properties for the skin attributed to the presence of numerous compounds within the extract that have antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Orally administered Polypodium leucotomos may provide protection against the detrimental photoaging effects of sunlight and can also help reduce the frequency and severity of polymorphous light eruption. Polypodium leucotomos has also been shown to be beneficial for the prevention and potential treatment of several aesthetically relevant conditions. Read More

J Cutan Med Surg 2014 Mar-Apr;18(2):91-108

Background: Topical vitamin D is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psoriasis but is also used off-label in the treatment of a variety of cutaneous diseases despite a lack of evidence-based guidelines.

Objective: The objective of this study was to provide evidence-based clinical guidelines for the off-label use of topical vitamin D in the treatment of dermatologic disease.

Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted via the MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases for off-label uses of topical vitamin D analogues in the treatment of dermatologic disease other than psoriasis. Read More

Indian Pediatr 2014 Jan;51(1):84

Department of Dermatology, Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, WB, India.

Clin Dermatol 2014 Jan-Feb;32(1):125-30

Academy of Medical Sciences of Croatia. Electronic address:

Perioral dermatitis is a relatively common inflammatory facial skin disorder that predominantly affects women. It is rarely diagnosed in children. A typical perioral dermatitis presentation involves the eruption of papules and pustules that may recur over weeks to months, occasionally with fine scales. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2013 Nov;12(11):1285-6

Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is the most common of the immunologically mediated photodermatoses. Onset is typically within the first three decades of life and affects females two to three times more than males. It occurs 30 minutes to 1-3 days after sun exposure and usually resolves in 7 to 10 days. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2014 Oct 30;30(5):231-6. Epub 2013 Oct 30.

Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.

Background/purpose: Only a few studies have compared frequencies of photodermatoses among different races and skin types. This is an extension of a study performed by Kerr and Lim and evaluates the frequency of photodermatoses in African-Americans compared with Caucasians in the same institution during an 8-year period.

Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed, including dermatology clinic charts from October 2004 to August 2012 with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnostic codes related to photodermatoses. Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2013 Sep 20. Epub 2013 Sep 20.

Departments of *Dermatology, and †Pathology, University Hospital of Salamanca, Paseo de San Vicente, Salamanca, Spain.

Background:: Follicular mucinosis coexisting with lymphoproliferative disorders has been thoroughly debated. However, it has been rarely reported in association with inflammatory disorders.

Methods:: Thirteen cases have been retrieved, and those with cutaneous lymphoma or alopecia mucinosa were excluded. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2013 Oct;29(5):261-5

Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Purpose: To quantitatively assess the effect of formal sun protection education on sun exposure habits and quality of life in photosensitive patients.

Methods: Patients with chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) or polymorphous light eruption (PLE) were randomized to either the intervention or the control group. General advice about sun protection and broad-spectrum sunscreen were provided to all participants. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr 2013 Oct 17;104(8):645-53. Epub 2013 Aug 17.

Departamento de Dermatología, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario, Facultad de Medicina, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Electronic address:

Although the existence of photodistributed erythema multiforme has been recognized for years, few cases have been described to date. It is an uncommon, and probably underdiagnosed, skin disorder that can affect individuals of both sexes and all ages. It has been associated with drugs, reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection, and polymorphous light eruption. Read More

J Formos Med Assoc 2013 Mar 29;112(3):125-30. Epub 2012 Jun 29.

Department of Dermatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.

Background/purpose: A mild, micropapular eruption previously coined as "solar dermatitis" on the extensor of the forearm is a common form of photodermatitis in Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathologic findings of "solar dermatitis", the micropapular type of photodermatitis.

Methods: We characterized the features of this photodermatitis by retrospectively reviewing and analyzing all such cases in a medical center in Southern Taiwan diagnosed during October 1988 to November 2010. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2013 Feb;29(1):52-4

Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Photomedicine Institute, Vancouver Costal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common photodermatosis and is characterized by the development of a pruritic skin eruption within a few hours to days after sun or artificial light exposure. The eruption usually takes up to two weeks to resolve in the absence of further ultraviolet radiation. PMLE has been reported as a side effect of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) therapy but characteristics of the eruption, especially the duration until resolution after treatment, has not been described. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2013 Feb 19;68(2):306-12. Epub 2012 Nov 19.

Department of Dermatology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.

Background: Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common form of idiopathic photodermatosis. Several morphologic variants of PLE have been described, including a localized form of PLE primarily affecting the helices of the ears. To our knowledge, the presence of lesions on the elbows as the unique manifestation of PLE has not yet been reported. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2012 Dec;28(6):320-1

Photomedicine Section, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA.

Purpose: Our study identified the most common diagnoses in patients with a history of photosensitivity or with a photodistributed eruption and normal minimal erythema dose (MED) responses.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the diagnoses and phototest results of 319 patients who were phototested at the New York University Photomedicine Section of the Charles C. Harris Skin and Cancer Pavilion from 1993 to 2009. Read More

Photochem Photobiol Sci 2013 Jan;12(1):65-77

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029, India.

Photodermatoses are a group of skin diseases primarily caused by, or exacerbated by exposure to ultraviolet and or visible radiation. The effect of sunlight on skin depends on a number of factors including skin colour, skin phototype and the content and type of melanin in the skin. There are only a few studies describing photodermatoses in populations with dark skin. Read More

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2012 Oct;28(5):240-3

Innovaderm Research Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada.

Background/purpose: Despite the fact that most people apply less sunscreen than the 2 mg/cm(2) required to measure sun protection factor (SPF), there is a lack of clinical data on the protection afforded from lower applied quantities. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of sunscreens to protect against UV-induced polymorphous light eruption (PLE) when applied at 2 mg/cm(2) and 1 mg/cm(2) .

Methods: Two SPF 45 sunscreens (one with a high level and one with a low level of UVA protection) were applied at 2 mg/cm(2) and 1 mg/cm(2) to four randomized 6 × 6 cm areas on the upper thorax of 15 female patients with a typical history of PLE. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2012 Apr;51(4):410-5

Dermatology Department, Cagliari University, Italy.

Background: Although usually simple, the diagnosis of dermatophyte infection is sometimes neglected. An observational study has been realized to evaluate the role of corticosteroid exposure (tinea incognito) and of other primary characteristics of the dermatophytosis that from onset mimic other diseases and mislead an unexperienced physician.

Materials And Methods: Between 1990 and 2009, all cases of atypical dermatophytosis mimicking other skin diseases were collected from the more general number of dermatophyte infections diagnosed at the Dermatology Department of Cagliari University, Italy. Read More

Skinmed 2012 Jan-Feb;10(1):50-2

Department of Dermatology, La Rabat Hospital, Tunis Tunisia.

A 70-year-old woman presented with an atypical erythematopapular zosteriform eruption of 3 weeks' duration. The patient had no history of previous vesicular eruption. She developed a painful burning sensation on the neck. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2013 Feb 9;27(2):157-62. Epub 2012 Jan 9.

Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.

Background: Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common chronic and idiopathic photodermatosis. PLE is assumed to represent an immunological hypersensitivity reaction to a radiation-induced cutaneous antigen involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the basis of a genetic predisposition. Among others, cellular protection against ROS is provided by glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Read More

Ann Dermatol Venereol 2011 Nov;138 Suppl 3:S201-6

Service de dermatologie, Hôpital du Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, 33604 Pessac cedex, France.

The term "red face" is reserved for lesions located exclusively or very predominantly on the face. Diagnosis is based on different data: date and mode of appearance, characteristics of the erythema, functional signs, and associated systemic manifestations. A case of red face can have an infectious origin, caused by vascular, congenital, or acquired lesions, or be caused by photodermatosis, or be the main location of inflammatory dermatosis or collagenosis, but depending on the clinical context, many other diagnoses can be suggested. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2011 Dec;50(12):1518-21

Department of Dermatology, Calicut Medical College, Calicut, Kerala, India.

Background: Tinea versicolor (TV) is a superficial fungal infection affecting as many as 40% of the population in the tropics. We noticed an unusual affect of TV on dermatoses of other origins.

Methods: In this prospective clinical study, we examined patients attending our dermatology outpatient department over a period of one year for coexistence of TV with any unrelated dermatoses. Read More

Ann Dermatol Venereol 2011 Sep;138 Suppl 2:S148-53

Service de dermatologie, Hôpital du Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux 33604 Pessac cedex, France.

The term "red face" is reserved for lesions located exclusively or very predominantly on the face. Diagnosis is based on different data: date and mode of appearance, characteristics of the erythema, functional signs, and associated systemic manifestations. A case of red face can have an infectious origin, caused by vascular, congenital, or acquired lesions, or be caused by photodermatosis, or be the main location of inflammatory dermatosis or collagenosis, but depending on the clinical context, many other diagnoses can be suggested. Read More

Ann Dermatol Venereol 2011 Aug-Sep;138(8-9):639. Epub 2011 Jun 12.

Service de dermatologie, CHU de Nancy-Brabois, bâtiment Philippe-Canton, 5, rue du Morvan, 54500 Vandœuvre-Les-Nancy, France.

Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2011 Feb;27(1):35-9

Department of Endocrinological and Medical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.

Background/purpose: Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) heterogeneity has been postulated, but the existence of benign summer light eruption (BSLE) is controversial. We studied the prevalence of the clinical patterns, criteria distinguishing BSLE from PLE, and diagnostic usefulness of phototest.

Methods: Five Italian Photodermatology Centres recruited retrospectively 346 patients with typical clinical history and/or presentation of PLE. Read More