Hydroxychloroquine in polymorphic light eruption: a controlled trial with drug and visual sensitivity monitoring

A double-blind controlled trial of oral hydroxychloroquine (HC) treatment in polymorphic light eruption (PLE) was completed in 13 patients on active treatment and 15 on placebo during June, July and August 1982. HC dose was 400 mg daily for the first month and 200 mg daily thereafter. Exposure to ambient solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) was monitored throughout the trial by polysulphone film lapel badges. Patients scored their symptoms on a visual analogue scale. Drug concentration was monitored in plasma and hair, and oculotoxicity was assessed by visual contrast sensitivity. Moderate clinical improvement occurred, associated with a statistically significant improvement in skin rash (P less than 0.01).