Approach

Treatment of the acute disease is aimed at preventing further inflammatory reactions and spreading of PLE lesions over greater areas, alleviating clinical symptoms of itch, and hastening the resolution of skin changes.[1][10]

Strict avoidance of sustained ultraviolet radiation exposure (even under shady umbrellas as UV-A can penetrate this material) is advised.[1][10][60]​​

Acute therapy for PLE is easy and efficient, although often not necessary. The key to effective management involves prophylaxis, which is often much more difficult to achieve.

Papular type

Topical corticosteroids (of low potency) in a water-based formulation (spray, gel, lotion, or cream) are given as initial acute therapy together with emollients.[60]​

For most people with PLE these measures will be sufficient to lead to a timely resolution of all symptoms and skin changes, without permanent damage.[1][10]

Plaque and papular-vesicular types

For mild plaque-type PLE (few small plaques), topical corticosteroids (of low potency) and emollients are sufficient for resolution of symptoms.[1][10]

For patients with a more inflammatory response, such as thick plaques in plaque-type PLE or blister formation in the vesiculobullous variant of PLE, more potent corticosteroid formulations may be effective. This may be combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In very rare cases, such as pronounced erythema exudativum multiforme type or widespread bullae, a short course of systemic corticosteroids might be considered in addition to the above treatments.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer