title: Beta-carotene in dermatology: Does it help?
abstract: UV irradiation of the skin leads to the induction of free radicals, carcinogenesis, and skin aging, and thus the use of beta-carotene in humans as a chaperoning agent is discussed. In the photohemolysis model, beta-carotene protects against the phototoxic effects of porphyrins. Beta-carotene should be used in erythropoietic protoporphyria, photosensitive diseases, and to reduce the effects of phototoxic drugs. Its effects on aging skin and on actinic keratosis have not yet been sufficiently studied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, HSK, Wilhelm Fresenius Klinik, Public Hospital, Teaching Hospital of the University of Mainz, Aukammallee 39, D-65191 Wiesbaden. christiane.bayerl@hsk-wiesbaden.de
authors.forename: Ch
authors.initials: Ch
authors.lastname: Bayerl
mesh_terms: D004416:Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy; D005502:Food; D005504:Food Analysis; D006801:Humans; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects; D014815:Vitamins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D019207:beta Carotene