supplements are sometimes advised. Prognosis Generally, PLE resolves without treatment; also, PLE irritations generally leave no scar. There may be a possible link with autoimmune thyroid disease. Some progression to autoimmune disease has been observed. However, another study of people with elevated titres of antinuclear antibodies with PLE found no progression to lupus erythematosus after an 8-year follow-up. Epidemiology In the United States, whilst one-quarter of people being investigated for a photosensitivity disorder were diagnosed with PLE, the prevalence in the general population is 10 to 15% and may even be as high as 40% as suggested in one study of more than 2000 people. It is also particularly more prevalent in Central Europe and Scandinavia. PLE is more common in young adults and has a female preponderance with a ratio of 2:1 female-to-male. In Germany the female to male ratio has been cited as 9:1. It can, however, occur in all age groups and all skin types. Those experiencing sun exposure all year round seldom acquire PLE eruption. Hence, it is less common near the equator. The cases of this condition are most common between the spring and autumn months in the northern hemisphere and at higher altitudes. Society and culture Reports of psychological distress have been made in more than 40% of peoples with PLE. This includes emotional distress, anxiety and depression History Thomas Bateman, following on from findings of his predecessor, Robert Willan, first recorded a description of PLE in the nineteenth century, defining it as eczema solare with recurrent non scarring eczematous lesions triggered by sun exposure. Danish physician Carl Rasch first described the eczema-like polymorphic light eruption in 1900, following his interest in the effect of sunlight on the skin. He has since been credited with coining the term "polymorphic light eruption". See also Photosensitivity with HIV infection List of cutaneous conditions References External links www.emedicine.com Skin conditions resulting from physical factors Dermatology Skin