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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing
Published on: May 28, 2013
Systemic vitamin C and vitamin E do not prevent photoprovocation test reactions in polymorphous light eruption
B Eberlein-König1, H Fesq, D Abeck
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie am Biederstein, Technische Universität München, Germany.
Abstract:
The possible influence of oxidative stress is discussed in the pathogenesis of polymorphous light eruption (PLE). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study 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 (verum, n=4; placebo, n=5). Evaluation of the maximal effects after photoprovocation before and after intake of the antioxidants revealed a reduction of most skin reactions (overall skin reaction, papules/vesicles) in both groups with marked differences in the placebo group. The antioxidants in the doses given and over the time period used did not influence the development of PLE, but might interfere with immunosuppressive effects of repeated photoprovocation tests.
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