How to prevent PMLE or Polymorphous Light Eruption ? Watch my one week Florida experiment with Shirudo AGR+E
3 min read
I did a crazy experiment for a week in Florida using Shirudo AGR+E and sunscreen on one leg only. Let's see my PMLE Polymorphous Light Eruption rash after a week at the beach!
Hi, my name is Eloise. I have Polymorphous Light Eruption (or PMLE) for 29 years.PMLE is the most common sun allergy. I had my first rash when I was 12 years old. Last April I spent a week in Florida to do a little experiment with Shirudo AGR+E products and I wanted to share the results with you.
What is Polymorphous Light Eruption?
First, let’s talk about Polymorphous Light Eruption for a minute. PMLE is the most common sun allergy or photosensitivity and by far. It can affect 10 to 15% of Americans, mostly women. Typically a PMLE rash manifests a day or two after the first sun exposure in Spring and beginning of summer or on a winter tropical holiday. so basically when your skin is not used to the sun yet and get a fair amount of sun exposure for the first time, on areas not exposed during winter. So most of the time, face and hands are not affected by PMLE.
It’s important to know PMLE is caused by UVs, not heat. It is not what we call prickly heat where sweat is trapped in glands. PMLE rash is usually on sun-exposed areas only, is really itchy and will last 10 to 12 days.Using sunscreen alone is usually not enough to prevent PMLE.
The appearance of the rash can differ from person to person, that's what polymorphous mean. It can look like tiny bumps, hives, it can be in patches or all over. Some people also experience fatigue, headache, muscle pain. PMLE is not a life-threatening condition at all, but for sure it can ruin your precious and short vacation time with your family. If you want to spend 2 weeks on a tropical island in January, I bet you don’t want to spend it inside.
My personal battle with PMLE
I spent decades looking for ways to prevent PMLE. 6 years ago with the help of a chemist specialized in natural formulations I develop the first Shirudo AGR+E lotion. I have been rash free for 6 years now. I have been to multiple beach vacations: Cape Cod, Florida 3 times, Mexico twice, RD, Vietnam, Cambodia, Portugal, always rash free using only Shirudo AGR+E products and a good broad spectrum sunscreen.
Why is it important to consult your doctor or dermatologist for a sun rash?
Of course, there are many other sun allergies, and some of them like solar urticaria are severe and can be life-threatening. Also, various medical conditions or medications can cause a sun rash that looks very similar to PMLE but could be prevented. That’s why it’s important to consult your doctor so that he can rule out any other underlying conditions. Do not self diagnose. Take pictures of your rash, write down your history and the timeline of exposure and rash and go see your doctor or dermatologist.
Conclusion
I'm hoping my experiment will give you answers and is enough to convince you to give Shirudo a try. If you want to stay away for cortisone lotion and steroids, if you are looking for a natural approach for you or your kids and enjoy your family time outside, please have a look at Shirudo products!
Most used Sunscreens by PMLE sufferers
For this experiment, I used Coppertone Sport 30.
Here are other broad-spectrum sunscreens many PMLE sufferers also use: - Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
- La Roche Posay Anthelios - Ombrelle - Ultrasun - Ladival (only available from EU) - Altruist (only available from EU)
Mineral sunscreen options (for kids, very sensitive skin or if you are allergic to regular sunscreen): - Blue Lizard - Aveeno Baby - Badger's
Brand new all-in-one lotion for PMLE, combining antioxidants and UV filters, therefore simplifying the application process. Sol+3 to provide the same protection using four times fewer chemical filters than a commercial SPF 50 sunscreen.
Want a PMLE free vacation? Here are my top 7 tips! Painful and annoying PMLE rash is past history for me now. It’s been more than 6 years since I first tried my demo batch of Shirudo AGR+E as a Polymorphous Light Eruption treatment and I am glad to say it is still totally effective on me. A life-changing lotion.
