Epidemiology

Although PLE is one of the most common photodermatoses, data for prevalence and incidence are scarce, due to only a small percentage of affected individuals consulting a physician when symptoms appear. In one meta-analysis, the prevalence of PLE ranged from 0.13% to 21.4% with an estimated pooled prevalence of 10% among the general population. There is a higher prevalence with increasing distance from the equator and the lowest prevalence is observed in China.[14]​ In a large European study of 6895 patients the overall prevalence in Europe is reported at 18.2%. It is particularly higher in Northern Europe compared with Southern Europe, potentially due to a higher prevalence of lighter skin types, higher photosensitivity, or possibly a genetic predisposition.[15][16][17][18]​​​​​​​​​ In Australia there appears to be a high incidence of PLE in the white population, similar to that found in Northern Europe.[19]

Women appear to be more commonly affected (2:1 female-to-male ratio), although it is still unclear whether this is due to reporting bias or a genetic predisposition.[1][9]​​[15][16][20]​​​​ PLE tends to recur over many years and all age groups are affected, however it is more common in adolescents and young adults.[1][8]

While the condition seems to appear more frequently in fair skin types, some studies also report a high incidence in darker skin types, including African Americans.[21][22][23]​ 

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