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Suppression of UV-induced erythema by topical treatment with melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). A dose response study

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Abstract

Oxygen-centred free radicals play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic UV-induced skin damage as well as in skin aging. In this double-blind randomized study the efficacy of topically applied melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine), a potent free radical scavenger, in the suppression of UV-induced erythema was assessed. A group of 20 healthy volunteers were irradiated with 0.099 J/cm2 UVB on four 5-cm2 areas on the lower back and topically treated with various concentrations of melatonin (0.05, 0.1, 0.5%) in a nanocolloid gel as carrier or with carrier alone. The UV-induced erythema was examined 8 and 24 h after irradiation by visual scoring and chromametry. A distinct dose response relationship was observed between the topical dose of melatonin and the degree of UV-induced erythema. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in redness (chromameter a*-value and visual scoring) 8 h after irradiation between the areas treated with melatonin at 0.5% and those treated with melatonin at 0.05% or with the carrier. These results might open a new approach in the prevention and control of free radical-influenced skin diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, Gloriastr. 31, CH-8091, Zurich, Switzerland

    Elisabeth Bangha & Peter Elsner

  2. 8142, Uitikon-Waldegg, Switzerland

    Gonzague S. Kistler

Authors
  1. Elisabeth Bangha
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  2. Peter Elsner
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  3. Gonzague S. Kistler
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Bangha, E., Elsner, P. & Kistler, G.S. Suppression of UV-induced erythema by topical treatment with melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). A dose response study. Arch Dermatol Res 288, 522–526 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02505248

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02505248

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