By Ted Rosen, MD, FAAD, Editor-in-Chief
The mainstay of treatment for polymorphic light eruption includes the use of sunscreen and ultraviolet light avoidance, along with topical corticosteroids. However, these maneuvers may be difficult for some who work outdoors or spend extended recreational time outdoors. Oral administration of standardized Polypodium leucotomos extract (PLE) may vastly reduce or even eliminate this troublesome photosensitivity. The minimum daily dose is 480 mg, although higher doses may be required in patients with high BMI. PLE acts as both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent.
Polypodium leucotomos is a fern from Central and
South America. The medication is derived from the
underground “runners” (rhizomes) of the plan
To read more: Segars Km et al. Dermatologic applications of Polypodium leucotomos: A literature review. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(2):50-60.
