Various Clinical and Histopathological Patterns of Idiopathic Photodermatosis: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: The idiopathic photodermatosis have different histopathological patterns, spongiotic pattern being the most common. Aim: To study the histopathological patterns of photodermatosis and to correlate between the clinical and histopathological findings. Materials and Methods: Hundered consecutive patients with lesions of idiopathic photodermatosis were included in this cross-sectional observational study. The clinical diagnosis was made and confirmed after thorough history, clinical examination and relevant investigations, including biopsy. Results: In this study 49 participants were male and 51 were female. Maximum number (20/51) of female patients presented in the age group 26-40 years while most male patients (16/49) presented in the age group of 56-70 years. Total 95% cases had lesions on photoexposed parts of upper limbs followed by neck involvement in 51% cases. The most common presenting symptom was itching, seen in 98% patients. Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE) was the clinical diagnosis in 97% cases. The most common histopathological pattern observed was Spongiotic pattern which was seen in 46% cases. Conclusion: While young females in the age group 26-40 year were more commonly affected, lesions were more common in men who were in the age group 56-70 year. Population in North India may be at greater risk because their skin is suddenly exposed to sun in spring and summer after the end of winter season. The PMLE was the most common subtype. Spongiotic pattern was the most common histopathological pattern found, followed by lichenoid pattern.

Keywords

• polymorphic light eruption
• summer season
• ultraviolet radiations