title: Reduction of UV-induced erythema in normal subjects by applying methimazole.
abstract: Since free radicals are probably involved in the induction of erythema following ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, a study was conducted to investigate the influence of a topical application of methimazole (a free radical scavenger), before and at different times up to 2 h, after exposure to UV radiation. Seven subjects took part and erythema was assessed 6 h after exposure by a quantitative reflectance technique. Erythema was reduced at the sites that received methimazole 15 min prior to exposure and, although the trend was towards a decrease in erythema at the sites where methimazole was applied after exposure, the mean differences in these cases were not significant. It is believed that methimazole may have a useful role in the reduction of erythema following UV irradiation.
authors.affiliation: West of Scotland Health Boards, Department of Clinical Physics and Bio-Engineering, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Moseley
authors.forename: E E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: MacFadyen
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: N B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Simpson
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D004890:Erythema / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008713:Methimazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D005609:Free Radicals; D011453:Prostaglandins; D008713:Methimazole