This is a rare photosensitive disorder of childhood, characterized by vesicles and crusted papules that heal with vacciniform (smallpox-like) scars, a scarring process not seen in EPP.
This is an acute, exaggerated sunburn reaction caused by a specific drug, whereas EPP is a lifelong, inherited metabolic disorder.
PLE presents as itchy papules or plaques hours to days after sun exposure, whereas EPP causes immediate burning pain upon exposure, with erythema and edema but few primary lesions.
This is a true urticaria triggered by sunlight, with wheals appearing within minutes of exposure and resolving within hours, a much more transient reaction than in EPP.
