Lucitis is an extremely common sun-related dermatosis, affecting 20% ​​of the adult population in its most common form, benign summer lucitis. Another recurrent form is called polymorphic lucite.

Summer lucite, polymorphic lucite: the different lucites

Lucitis is a rash that occurs on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. There are two types of lucites in France which are grouped under the unique term “polymorphous light eruption” in the English-speaking world:

Benign summer lucite

Benign summer lucite most often appears around the 2nd or 3rd day of first intense and prolonged sun exposure, hence its name summer, but it can be triggered during sunny weekends, winter holidays in the tropics … or after a session in a tanning booth. It heals in 1 to two weeks and the tan protects against recurrences during the summer (we speak of “protective tan”).

Polymorphic lucite

Polymorphic lucite is much rarer, it affects young adults and appears the day after moderate sun exposure and generally lasts from early spring until fall.

The causes of lucite

Little is known about the cause of lucites. However, we know that the ultraviolet rays involved differ: UVB for polymorphic lucite and UVA for benign summer lucite.

Who is affected by this allergy?

Benign summer lucite: it affects close to 1/4 of the adult population, especially young women

Polymorphic lucite: it concerns adults without predominance of sex

Evolution et complications possible

Benign summer lucitis: the summer outbreak usually heals in a few days, but it tends to recur in the following years, often worsening: it appears earlier and earlier in the season, for more and more moderate exposure, heals less quickly during the summer and affects increasingly large areas of skin.

Polymorphic lucite: it recurs with each exposure to the sun, which is very debilitating. It thus tends to become chronic, constantly leaving lesions of different morphology and ages on the skin.

Benign summer lucite

It causes small red-pink pimples that itch a lot on areas exposed to the sun, especially on the top of the trunk (neckline, shoulders, arms, etc.), usually respecting the face.

Polymorphic lucite

The term ‘polymorphic’ means that it takes several forms, in fact the pimples vary in age and shape, often in the same patient: small infiltrated patches, vesicles, red patches on the skin, urticarial patches (as if the skin was swollen)… All areas exposed to the sun are affected, especially the face and back of the hands.

Risk factors

Exposure to UV rays, particularly to the sun, is the main risk factor for lucite: with proper sun protection, hardly any flare-ups are observed.

Our doctor’s opinion

Benign summer lucitis is an extremely common pathology from the first suns. It tends to worsen from one summer to the next but it can easily be avoided by respecting the usual advice on photoprotection: seek shade, wear covering clothing, a sun product that protects well against UVA … favor the circled UVA logo, a sign that the filters meet European standards. There are also specific sunscreens for Lucite Estivale Bénigne

As for polymorphic lucite, it is much more painful for the patient since it makes sun exposure almost impossible, especially between 12 and 16 hours, when UVB rays are the most numerous and powerful.

Benign summer lucite

Brutal sun exposure of untanned skin is the trigger. The basic rules of sun protection generally protect against flare-ups (seek shade, gradually expose yourself day after day, wear protective clothing and apply 50+ sun products every two hours to exposed areas, with a high protective coefficient in UVA , in particular those containing tinosorb M, mexoryl XL, butyl methoxydibenzoyl methane or dibenzotriazole (example: Photoderm Max®, Uriage 50 + ®, Avène 50 + ®, Anthélios 50 + ®, etc.) sometimes associated with an anti-free radical complex (Eucerin LEB protection®)).

We can combine these protection tips with internal photoprotective products, taken orally, for example based on carotenoids, para-aminobenzoic acid or even nicotinamide, 15 days before and 15 days after the start of exposure.

In the event of failure of previous treatments, the doctor can perform UV sessions 2 to 3 times a week in the office during the two months preceding the summer vacation.

Polymorphic Lucite

Here again, the basic sun protection rules generally protect against flare-ups (seek shade, gradually expose yourself day after day, avoid the sun between 12 and 16 p.m., wear protective clothing and apply UVB sun products every two hours. 50+ on exposed areas.

In case of relapses despite sun protection, you can use synthetic antimalarials (Nivaquine®, Plaquenil®) started 10-15 days before the start of exposure and continued for the duration of photosensitivity, which is generally from April to September. under ophthalmological control (because this molecule tends to deposit after 3 months in the retina and interfere with color vision).

In the event of failure of previous treatments, the doctor can perform UV sessions 2 to 3 times a week in the office during the two months preceding the summer vacation.

How to treat lucite?

Lucitis attacks are treated with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines such as cetirizine at double the usual dose.

Complementary approach

Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, found in many colorful fruits and vegetables, including carrots, hence its name. It has antioxidant and photoprotective properties by obtaining an orange coloring of the skin, absorbing a little ultraviolet rays.