Follow-Up Study of Effect of Oral Methoxsalen (8-Methoxypsoralen) on Sunburn and Suntan

Systemic protection by antioxidants against UVL-induced erythema

An antioxidant supplemented diet provided marked systemic protection against ultraviolet light mediated erythema in hairless mice. Among the individual constituents of the diet, butylated hydroxytoluene was most effective whereas glutathione and vitamins C and E afforded negligible protection. The mixture of antioxidants, and butylated hydroxytoluene individually, demonstrated diminished, but significant, protection when applied topically. The safety of this systemic photoprotectant and its clinical relevance at present is unknown.

Trimethoxypsoralen in vitiligo

The treatment of vitiligo has been unsatisfactory. Introduction of systemic furocoumarins to treatment regimens has given very promising results. Trimethylpsoralen has been found to be more potent than 8-methoxypsoralen. In cases studied, ultraviolet irradiation of affected sites following topical application of trimethylpsoralen was found to hasten the process of repigmentation. Simultaneous treatment of underlying disease produced a quicker response followed by sustained relief.