With Skin Expert, Dr John Quinn
The Express explored a very common skin condition which is thought to affect 1 in 5 of us, although many won’t even have heard of it. The article included input from Quinn Clinics founder Dr John Quinn, who explained they symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment.
The feature is entitled:
‘The ‘little known’ rash caused by sunlight that affects one in five – signs’
After a good summer (including a couple of major heatwaves), most of us have spent some time in the sun. On the positive side, this can be beneficial for mental health and also a boost to the body’s vitamin D. However, there are also risks involved with sun exposure.
GP and skin clinic founder Dr John Quinn told The Express:
“The first thing to remember is your skin has multiple functions. Its primary function is as a protective barrier for the rest of our body but it also is involved in maintaining our body temperature as well so heat can affect the skin massively.”
What is PMLE?
PMLE stands for polymorphous light eruption, a very common reaction to sun exposure which causes an itchy rash. It appears within 20 minutes of sun exposure but can take weeks to clear up.
Dr Quinn explains:
“It is thought to be an auto-immune condition where, for people who are susceptible, they develop an itchy rash when they’re exposed to sunlight for the first time in a while.
“It’s actually quite common. One in five people can have it.
“It’s probably one of the most common conditions you’ve never heard of.
“It presents with an itchy rash on whatever the sun-exposed area is and it normally happens when you go out in the sun for the first time so we’re in the middle of a heatwave where people are thinking, ‘I’m going to go off to the beach and go crazy’.”
PMLE Sun Rash Symptoms
The NHS says that the PMLE rash can vary. Patients may experience:
- Crops of 2mm to 5mm raised, pink or red spots – easily mistaken for heat rash (prickly heat)
- Blisters that turn into larger, dry patches – it looks a bit like eczema
- Patches that look like a target or “bulls-eye” (rarer)
While PMLE can look like prickly heat, they’re not the same. The NHS say
“Prickly heat is caused by warm weather or overheating, rather than sunlight or UV light.”
PMLE is as a direct result of exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Preventing PMLE Sun Rash
It will come as little surprise to learn that the best way to prevent it is by avoiding sun exposure. When outdoors, wear plenty of sun cream that carries a high UVA rating. You can also cover up with loose clothing (including a large hat and sunglasses. Seek shade where possible and limit your time outdoors, especially when the sun is at its peak.
PMLE Sun Rash Treatment
Dr John Quinn told The Express:
“PMLE will normally go away itself but steroid cream can help.”
“Ultimately wearing sun protection is the most important thing.
“Not only for PMLE, but for protecting you against a whole number of skin problems.
“Really you need to keep reapplying sun cream every two hours as well as whenever you get out of water.
“There is no such thing as a safe tan – it is all skin damage.”
Quinn Clinics sees many patients whose skin has suffered due to sun exposure and tanning. Sun beds are a particular problem and damage can occur years later.
John says:
“We get a lot of people saying if they knew then what they knew now about sunbeds being bad, but we know the risks now and people are still tanning.”
Read in full
Find the complete article at https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1640161/polymorphous-light-eruption-itchy-rash-caused-by-sunlight.
Sun Damage Treatment Options
Quinn Clinics based in Bristol offers a range of treatments for over exposure to the sun.
Options to consider include:
- LaseMD laser treatment
- Dermaroller micro-needling, to boost the skin’s own regeneration, promoting collagen production for smoother, tighter skin; while also tackling pigmentation
- EDS Dermastamp or SkinPen micro-needling for focusing on smaller areas
- Skin peels, for intensive exfoliation, erasing fine lines and stimulating the skin’s regeneration
- IPL laser treatment for facial veins and skin tightening
- Elvii Vascular Laser or IPL Facial vein treatment for thread veins/spider veins
- HydraFacial®advanced comprehensive facial
About Quinn Clinics
Advanced Skin Treatment Clinic, Bristol
Quinn Clinics was established in 2006 and offers a full range of cosmetic, medical and laser skin treatments. As well as popular anti-ageing injections, the clinics can offer the latest skin rejuvenation technology including IPL, laser and CO2 fractional laser, radio-frequency and ultrasound treatments.
The company has 2 highly equipped skin clinics in Bristol.
- The main clinic and head office is based in Redland
- Tel 0117 924 4592
- Email info@quinnclinics.co.uk
- A second city centre clinic opened in 2021 at Harvey Nichols
- Tel 01174 350397
- Email hn@quinnclinics.co.uk
In addition to a host of advanced skin treatments, Quinn Clinics also offers non-surgical body shaping with the biggest selection of treatment technology in the South West.
