THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MODERN TOPICAL ANTIOXIDANTS IN THE PREVENTION OF SOLAR DERMATITIS

Abstract

Relevance. Solar dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that arises as a result of UV-induced oxidative stress and damage to DNA, lipids and proteins, and is accompanied by the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Topical antioxidants capable of neutralising reactive oxygen species and stabilising the barrier structures of the skin are of particular importance in the prevention of photodermatoses. Aim of the study. To assess the clinical effectiveness of modern topical antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid) in the prevention of solar dermatitis in patients with increased photosensitivity. Materials and methods. A prospective comparative study was carried out with 60 patients (Fitzpatrick phototype II–III) allocated to four groups: A — vitamin C 15 %, B — vitamin E 5 %, C — a combination of vitamin C 10 % + vitamin E 2 % + ferulic acid 0.5 %, D — control. The intensity of UV-induced erythema (erythema index), the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), subjective sensations (VAS) and the frequency of episodes of solar dermatitis were assessed. The duration of observation was 8 weeks. Statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05. Results. The greatest photoprotective effect was observed in group C: the decrease in the erythema index was 47.30 % (p < 0.001), in the MDA level 41 % (p < 0.001) and in VAS symptoms 65 % (p < 0.001). Monotherapy with vitamins C and E provided moderate results (29.40 % and 21.80 % respectively). In the control group the decrease in erythema was 8.20 %. The frequency of episodes of solar dermatitis was minimal in group C — 2 cases versus 11 in the control group (a decrease of 82 %, p < 0.01). The combination of antioxidants demonstrated pronounced synergism and surpassed monotherapy in all indicators. Conclusion. The combination of vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid is the most effective preventive agent against solar dermatitis, providing a marked reduction in inflammation, oxidative stress and subjective discomfort, as well as reducing the frequency of clinical episodes. The preparations have a high safety profile and good tolerability.