[Light protection and increase of UV tolerance]

Topical sun-ray filter creams protect the skin from sunburn and from long-term damages caused by UV-radiation. The choice of the sun protecting factor depends on the radiation dose as well as on the individual sensitivity to UV-radiation. For the prevention of photodermatoses, the industry offers broad spectrum absorbents. For internal prophylaxis, oral ingestion of a new preparation containing 25 mg beta-carotene and 35 mg canthaxanthin per dragee, has proved to restore the tolerance of sunlight with polymorphic light eruption, light urticaria, protoporphyria, and other photodermatoses to a considerable degree. In case of failure, photo- or PUVA-prophylaxis using tolerated UV-doses is recommended. All the treatments have to be repeated every year.