The minimal erythema dose of broadband ultraviolet B in Taiwanese

The purpose of this study was to determine the cutaneous response to UVB radiation in Taiwanese subjects. The relationships among minimal erythema dose (MED) of broadband UVB, Fitzpatrick's skin phototype, and skin color were examined in 61 healthy Taiwanese volunteers. Thirty-one females and 30 males were enrolled. Overall, the mean MED was 142.3 mJ/cm(2); there was no significant gender difference. The mean MEDs of subjects with Fitzpatrick skin types II, III, IV and V were 122.9 mJ/cm(2), 136.2 mJ/cm(2), 148.3 mJ/cm(2) and 165.0 mJ/cm(2), respectively. Both the mean MEDs and the lower MED limits increased with skin phototypes. To identify patients with abnormal photosensitivity, physicians could use these lower limits as reference values. In addition, different starting doses of broadband UVB phototherapy could be used for different skin phototypes.