What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• JSE (Juvenile Spring Eruption)
• Juvenile Spring Polymorphous Light Eruption

What is Juvenile Spring Eruption? (Definition/Background Information)

• Juvenile Spring Eruption (JSE) is a temporary skin condition characterized by itchy papules and blisters on the external ear that develops from sun exposure in cold weather during spring, mostly affecting boys and young men
• It is reportedly a form of polymorphous light eruption, which is a common photosensitivity reaction caused due to sunlight exposure. However, Juvenile Spring Eruption is not seen in summers
• In most cases, Juvenile Spring Eruption is a self-limited condition that heals in about two weeks. In some individuals, treatment may be needed for severe cases of JSE. Also, the condition is known to recur on exposure to sunlight in cold temperatures again

Who gets Juvenile Spring Eruption? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Juvenile Spring Eruption is mostly observed in children, teens, and young adults
• Males are affected much more than females, since males tend to have shorter hair
• There is no racial or ethnic preference observed. However, fair-skinned individuals (such as Caucasians) are more prone to polymorphous light eruption than dark-skinned individuals (such as Africans or Asians)

What are the Risk Factors for Juvenile Spring Eruption? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Juvenile Spring Eruption may include:

• Boys and young men have a higher risk for the condition. Girls and young women may get it less because of their long and thick hair which may cover their ears. Thus, individuals with ears that stick out from their head (prominent ears) are more at risk
• Exposure to bright sun during cold weather in spring season
• In some rare cases, a familial background is reported

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Juvenile Spring Eruption? (Etiology)

The cause of Juvenile Spring Eruption is generally unknown, but it occurs on exposure to bright sunlight against a background of cold weather (cold temperatures).

• Some experts believe that it is associated with or triggered by parvovirus B19 infection, apart from exposure to ultraviolet rays
• Some researchers also believe that it may be hypersensitivity reaction of skin to sunlight

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Spring Eruption?

The signs and symptoms of Juvenile Spring Eruption (PLE) may include the following features:

• The rashes appear within 8-24 hours following exposure to sunlight
• It starts with itchiness and the skin then turns red
• Eruption of small red lesions are noted
• Rashes form along the C-shaped outer curve of the ear
• Over days, these progress to form blisters that break; crust formation is then noted
• The lesions then heal with no or minimal scarring in about 2 weeks
• Rarely, swollen lymph nodes may be observed in the neck

How is Juvenile Spring Eruption Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Juvenile Spring Eruption is made by:

• Physical examination of the skin lesions and medical history evaluation. This is usually sufficient to arrive at a diagnosis
• Lab tests are usually not required
• Skin biopsy, if needed: A skin tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Juvenile Spring Eruption?

The possible complications due to Juvenile Spring Eruption include:

• Discomfort and irritability of the affected skin
• Secondary or superimposed infections due to bacteria or fungus, particularly if the blisters are picked or scratched
• Recurrence of the condition if one is re-exposed to bright sunlight during cold weather
• Some individuals with Juvenile Spring Eruption also show widespread polymorphous light eruption (on other areas of the body)

How is Juvenile Spring Eruption Treated?

Generally, treatment is not needed for Juvenile Spring Eruption. It may be recommended by the healthcare provider if the skin condition is severe, or in order to ensure faster healing.

In such cases, the treatment measures may include:

• Topical creams and ointments, if required
• Administration of corticosteroids may be advised for a short duration
• Antihistamines may be prescribed to improve the signs and symptoms such as itching
• Protecting the ears from further sun exposure is important

How can Juvenile Spring Eruption be Prevented?

A few methods to prevent Juvenile Spring Eruption include:

• Avoid exposure to the bright sun in cold weathers, especially if one is vulnerable to the condition
• Take adequate safety steps to reduce exposure to the UV rays, by using sunscreens with high sun-protection factor, wide-brimmed hats, and protective clothing, particularly during spring time
• Maintain long hair for the period one is most prone to the skin condition
• If needed, short course prophylactic medications may be advised for individuals susceptible to Juvenile Spring Eruption, especially if they were previously diagnosed with moderate and severe cases of JSE
• Keep yourself well-hydrated if sun-exposure for prolonged periods is unavoidable

What is the Prognosis of Juvenile Spring Eruption? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Juvenile Spring Eruption (JSE) is excellent since it is a temporary skin condition that is self-healing.

• However, JSE can recur on exposure to ultraviolet radiation again and become a chronic condition
• In many individuals, the condition is known to reduce in severity and disappear altogether after a few years

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Juvenile Spring Eruption:

Do not pick or pop the blisters, for doing so can affect the healing process and may result in secondary infections.