Effects of oral methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen) on sunburn and suntan; a blind clinical trial.

Abstract

Introduction Following the introduction of methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, Oxsoralen, Xanthotoxin) into this country for the treatment of vitiligo, 1 there was observed an increased melanin (pigmentation) and tolerance to sunlight in the nondiseased areas of some vitiligo patients taking this drug plus sunlight. This led to preliminary trials of the preparation in subjects with tendency to sunburn and poor tanning. Enthusiastic testimonial evidence was rapidly obtained from users of the material who claimed reduced sunburn and increased tanning. Laboratory and field trials 2 indicated that pigmentation responses to sun could be augmented in human subjects with either topical or oral use of this compound. As previously reported, a sunburn or sunburn-like reaction could also be produced. 2 That tolerance to sun and capacity to develop a healthy-looking tan are associated with various value systems in our culture is confirmed by the many letters received from patients pleading