Actinic prurigo (Hutchinson's summer prurigo)

Actinic prurigo or Hutchinson's summer prurigo is an entirely separate disease from polymorphic light eruption. The former is especially common in Mexico, Central and South America, while the latter is common in Europe. The differences between the two conditions are enumerated. It is emphasized that actinic prurigo is a chronic persistent and recalcitrant eruption which often continues throughout the winter months and affects covered as well as exposed areas of skin. A personal series of 51 patients with actinic prurigo is presented. The efficacy of thalidomide in the treatment of some cases of actinic prurigo is confirmed.