Effects of some emollients on the transmission of ultraviolet

• Published in: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 137 - 140
• Main Authors: Fetil, Emel, Akarsu, Sevgi, Ilknur, Turna, Kuşku, Ergün, Güneş, Ali Tahsin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2006; Blackwell
• Subjects: basis cream; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Emollients - chemistry; Emollients - pharmacology; Erythema - etiology; Female; glycerine; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; olive oil; petrolatum; Photosensitizing Agents - chemistry; Photosensitizing Agents - pharmacology; phototherapy; Single-Blind Method; Skin Tests - methods; Sunscreening Agents - chemistry; Sunscreening Agents - pharmacology; Ultraviolet Rays; Ultraviolet Therapy - adverse effects; Ultraviolet Therapy - methods; UVB; UVB; Dermatology; UVB radiation; Cream; Transmission; basis cream; glycerine; Olive oil; Phototherapy; Petrolatum; Ultraviolet radiation; Treatment; Emollient
• ISSN: 0905-4383; 1600-0781
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0781.2006.00221.x

Background/purpose: Various topical agents which can be used in combination with phototherapy may have blocking or enhancing effects. In this in vivo study, the effects of topical petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine and olive oil on the transmission of ultraviolet B (UVB) were investigated. Methods: A phototest was performed to determine the minimal erythema dose (MED) on 32 volunteers and the test was repeated with white petrolatum, basis cream, glycerine, olive oil and sunscreen (0.3 cm3/25 cm2). The effects of each agent on MED was determined after 24 h. Results: MEDs were increased with the application of white petrolatum and basis cream. However, MEDs were not changed with the application of glycerine and olive oil. Conclusion: The application of white petrolatum and basis cream, which have blocking effects, immediately before UVB therapy is not recommended. However, glycerine and olive oil, which does not have any effect, can be used before phototherapy.