Polymorphous light eruptions; phototest technique studies.

Abstract

Clinical evaluation and experimental investigations of the polymorphous light eruptions have been limited by the difficulty of reproducing the reactions under controlled conditions. Light sources producing rays ranging from the broad spectrum of natural sunlight to the sharply demarcated wavelength limits of the monochromator have been used by various investigators. 1-7 Inconsistent results, limited numbers of patients, and variations in techniques and interpretations have led to conflicting data in many instances. It is the purpose of this paper to report a phototesting technique that has given consistent results in the large majority of patients tested. Materials and Method The subjects were 37 patients with polymorphous light reactions (Table). Two light sources were used: * (1) a hot quartz air-cooled contact lamp (Hanovia Aero Kromayer Lamp model 2223) which produces an irregular line spectrum extending from the short ultraviolet into the infrared range with high energy output in the erythrogenic sunburn range