Introduction

Polymorphic light eruption is a fairly common skin rashtriggered by exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light.

An itchy or burning rash appears withinhours, orup to two to threedays after exposure to sunlight. It lasts for up totwo weeks, healing without scarring.

The rash usually appears on the parts of the skin exposed to sunlight typically the head and neck, chestand arms (the face isn't always affected).

Polymorphic light eruption is thought to affect about 10-15% of the UK population.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016