Systemic vitamin C and vitamin E do not prevent photoprovocation test reactions in polymorphous light eruption

The possible influence of oxidative stress is discussed in the pathogenesis of polymorphous light eruption (PLE), A double-blind, placebo-controlled s tudy of prophylactic treatment with systemic administration of vitamin C (3 g/d) and E (1500 IU/d) for 8 days was undertaken in 9 patients with PLE (v erum, n=4; placebo, n=5), Evaluation of the maximal effects after photoprov ocation before and after intake of the antioxidants revealed a reduction of most skin reactions (overall skin reaction, papules/vesicles) in both grou ps with marked differences in the placebo group. The antioxidants in the do ses gi, en and over the time period used did not influence the development of PLE, but might interfere with immunosuppressive effects of repeated phot oprovocation tests.