Photosensitivity in childhood

Out of a total of 370 patients with photosensitivity disorders, the light sensitivity had started at an age of 15 years or earlier in 95 cases (26%). Seventy-eight of these suffered from polymorphous light eruptions (PMLE). In half of the PMLE cases the morphology of the light-induced rash was classified as prurigo-like, and in one-fourth as vesicopapular. Other registered photodermatoses with childhood onset were xeroderma pigmentosum, erythropoietic protoporphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus and pellagra. No childhood cases of photosensitivity from external chemicals or internal medication were encountered.