Vlog - PMLE (sun allergy) March 16, 2008

I have a condition known as PMLE which stands for Polymorphic Light Eruption. In plain English, it means my body sometimes incorrectly thinks it's under attack from UV light and thus, I get an allergic response (rash) from the sun.

I've had this condition for years now. My case is pretty mild and my outbreaks are random. This time around, unfortunately, it's lasting WAY longer than normal and it's been two week of unbroken rash. It's really bumming me out and it highly frustrating.

I'm greatly embarrassed by how my skin looks when I break out in the rash, but I'm hopeful that by talking about it openly and publicly, I can not only help get through some of my fears, but help educate other people about the condition.

I've tried to capture a little of what
it looks like, but it's really difficult to get it properly on film. Its a lot redder than it appears here, and much more "bumpy" and "rashy" but this at least gives you an idea.

Here's some links if you want to read more about it:
http://dermnetnz.org/reactions/pmle.html
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/10710.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/217723/pmle_when_the_sun_causes_seve...

~*~

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• vlog
• missm
• memoryanddream
• pmle
• skin
• disorder
• allergy
• allergic
• sun
• sunlight
• uv
• education
• awareness
• dermatology

[farstarfilms]

thats a heat rash

[memoryanddream]

@farstarfilms No, it's not. PMLE is a reaction to UV rays. It lasts for weeks at a time. Heat rash is much more temporary and has nothing to do with UV rays.

[Jedisax100]

Does it itch you?

[memoryanddream]

@Jedisax100 Very much so. But, when you scratch it, it burns. So it's a big struggle of what's worse, the itching or the burning? :(

[IanSolo89]

2 questions,

Does anyone know if it's bad to remove the skin? (when i sweat it peels off very easily)

If I spend entire days out in the sun without any protection, can it transform into something more serious? (ex: skin cancer)

[memoryanddream]

@IanSolo89 Being in the sun without protection causes skin cancer whether or not you have PMLE so don't do it! Always wear sunscreen!

[lekstute]

I'm glad I found this vid, I have the same problem since I was 11, I think. It always begins in the middle on June and I get rahes the first time I go sun bathing. Recently I found out that it's worse when I have some sun lotion on. Usually the problem tends to reduce in the end of the summer and then I don't get rashes even when I'm at the direct sunlight. The medicine helps though. I use claritin - not super effective, but it doesn't itch that much after a few pills.

[MegaJunk100]

I am allergic to the sun. I go out for 5 minutes, and about an hour or two later my face starts itching, I get trouble breathing, dizziness, tired, red face, eyes burn etc.  I looked it up, people say your throat can close and you can stop breathing...anyone know what I have? Reply.

[pennyloverful]

I feel your pain. I live in Australia in a coastal town and it's the most difficult thing life has presented to me so far. I remember the first time I had an eruption it was all over my face and the only thing that helped that firey itchy feeling for me was to slap my skin, I ended up giving myself serious welts and blood blisters and bruises.

There is a new treatment for this called Scenesse, which is yet to be approved anywhere but Italy. I hope it happens soon.

[ShinLa83]

My gf has the same problem. Her 2 little sisters are fairly dark, and ever since they were little, they were outdoor people. Your body adjusts much better and faster when you are little, and since they were exposed to the sun a lot more often, they are okay. As for my gf, she is very light skinned, almost white (though she's Korean). She was and is not an outdoor person. She also refuses to jog. Eastern medicine usually link skin problems with lung health. Either case, she still doesn't listen

[wupeide]

Thanks for posting this - I have had the same problem recently - I think I had it when I was very young (under 10). Now I am 36 and it came back this year. It's a strange condition.

[techymum]

I have suffered from PMLE since I was a young girl, so over 40 years now :-(. However, I always thought it was crazy that I was "allergic to the sun". Did not think it was possible. Right now I am in the worst break out I have had in years, and finally decided to google it. I did not know there was a name to it! Nor have I found anyone else with the same condition. Honestly, now I feel justified in covering up, staying in the shade, etc. All the best to you.

[littlelambccece]

i have this right now. its no big deal! it itches like crazy, but its no big deal. one time i had it on both my legs for over a month. i never felt like a freak and no one cares about it, andthey never stay away from me because of it, so chill out

[meganantosik]

Thanks for putting this video up. I have the same condition since I was very young and finally decided to research it this year. I have discovered coolibar; a brand that helps create protective clothing and I wear my "sun gloves" while driving in the spring and summer. It seems to help...but what helps more is knowing there are other people with the same problem. I have never actually met anyone else in person with this issue.