Juvenile spring eruption: clinicopathologic features and phototesting results in 4 cases

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Feb;50(2 Suppl):S57-60. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(03)02469-1.

Abstract

Juvenile spring eruption is a distinct photodermatosis characterized by the development of papules and vesicles on light-exposed areas of the ears usually in the early springtime. It primarily affects boys and young men, and has a tendency to occur in the form of small epidemics. We report a similar outbreak in separate groups of soldiers who were performing military exercises during cold and sunny weather of a midwinter season. The clinicopathologic features and phototesting results are described in 4 of these cases. All patients showed normal erythemal responses to monochromator phototesting with UV and visible wave bands. Photoprovative testing with repeated daily exposures of the ears to a broadband UVA source provoked diffuse erythema and itching in 1 case, whereas similar photoprovocation of a nonaffected area, ie, the flexor surface of the forearm, in 2 patients did not yield a skin reaction. Although the cause of juvenile spring eruption is not known, our observations further strengthen the hypothesis that the disorder is a localized variant of polymorphous light eruption.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Ear
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / pathology
  • Seasons
  • Skin Tests
  • Ultraviolet Rays