Polymorphic lucite: about a case

Abstract

Polymorphic lucite (PL) is a frequent photodermatosis, but its pathophysiologic mechanism is still poorly elucidated. We report the case of a 54-year old male teacher, with no previous medical-surgical history, presenting with recurrent papular and very pruritic rash lasting for 12 years. Clinical examination showed papular-vesicular excoriated lesions on the face, the neck and the scalp. Eczematiform lesions occurred on the back of the hands. The remainder of the integument as well as the mucous membranes were spared. The suspected diagnoses were lupus, drug-induced photosensitization or contact photosensitivity and polymorphic lucite (PL). During the interview, the patient reported that this eruption had recurred in the same period every year, namely at the beginning of spring and lasted until the end of summer. Photobiological evaluations were not performed. Antinuclear antibody test was negative, and histological examination was non-specific showing dermal dense lymphocytic infiltrate. The diagnosis of LP was suspected and the patient underwent synthetic antimalarial drug-based therapy associated with external photoprotection.