Korean J Dermatol.  1984 Apr;22(2):176-182.

The Influence of Infrared Radiation on Ultraviolet Induced Skin Injury

• Park HJ
• Youn JI
• Lee YS

Abstract

The health-promoting qualities of ultraviolet light have been well recognized, but it also induces deleterious effects from sunburn to skin cancer, Since our enviroment exposes us to both ultraviolet and infrared rays at the same time, the latter is considered to influence to some extent the cutaneous effects of the former. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that the biologic effects of one type of radiation may be modified by wavelengths of different energies. Interactions of this kind are complex and occasionally result in true synergy or antagonism. Although there are several reports on these interactions, the results are not in accordance. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of infrared radiation (IR) on ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin injury, especially minimal erythema dose (MED). Thirty-five healthy medical students participated in this study between May and June, 1983. One side of the back was exposed to IR with UVR while as a control the other side was exposed only to VVR. The results were summarized as follows : 1. In one experiment treated with IR before UVR, the mean MED-S.D. of the treated site was 17 7+5 3 (sec) and that of the control site was 18. 3-+6. 4 (sec)- The increase of the MED was statistically significant. (p<0. 01], paired t-test) Among the fifteen subjects, the MED was increased in 73% (11/15), and the same in 27% (4/15).

MeSH Terms

Erythema
Humans
Infrared Rays
Skin Neoplasms
Skin*
Students, Medical
Sunburn
Ultraviolet Rays