Symptoms
Majorca acne manifests as a chronically recurring rash with homogeneous, dome-shaped, coarse, 2-4 mm poplars. The rash is reminiscent of steroid acne. Unlike common acne (acne vulgaris), no comedones or pustules appear. The rash occurs mainly on sun-exposed areas such as the chest, upper arms, shoulders, neck, back and possibly the face (cheeks). The rash appears in the spring and subsides in the fall. The skin lesions persist stubbornly for weeks to months. The name “Mallorca acne” comes from Hjorth (1972), who was the first to describe the rash. He noticed it in Scandinavians who went on vacation after winter.
Causes
The most important trigger is sun exposure (ultraviolet light). In the study by Hjorth (1972), the use of (greasy) sunscreens was excluded as a causative factor. Nevertheless, the use of sunscreens is always indicated.
Diagnosis
See also under sun allergy. Unlike polymorphous light dermatosis, the rash is a- not multiform.
Nonpharmacologic therapy
Possible use of oil-free sunscreen (sun gel).
Drug therapy
- Possibly effective: benzoyl peroxide, retinoids.
- Probably ineffective or aggravating: antibiotics, glucocorticoids.
