Friday Pop Quiz 7/31/2026

A 29-year-old woman with Fitzpatrick skin type III presents with a history of recurrent erythematous plaques on her forearms after brief sun exposure, especially during the spring and early summer. She reports no systemic symptoms and no photosensitizing medications. Biopsy confirms findings consistent with polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). She wants a sunscreen that will minimize her flares. Which of the following sunscreen formulations would be most appropriate for this patient?

A. SPF 30 with octinoxate and octisalate

B. SPF 50 with avobenzone and octocrylene

C. SPF 15 with zinc oxide

D. SPF 100 with padimate O

E. SPF 30 with titanium dioxide and iron oxide

To find out the correct answer and read the explanation, click here.