Researchers examined the impact of three nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIA) on ultraviolet B (UV-B)-induced erythema in healthy human volunteers. Aspirin, indomethacin, and ibuprofen were orally administered two hours before exposure to UV-B from fluorescent sunlamps, repeated at 4-hour intervals for a total of four doses. Each subject’s minimal dose of light to induce erythema (MED) was measured both with and without the drugs. The results showed a substantial 240% increase in the average MED when NSAIA were administered. Administering NSAIA orally near the time of UV-B exposure appears to elevate the threshold for UV-B-induced erythema.

Citation: Edwards EK Jr, Horwitz SN, Frost P. Reduction of the erythema response to ultraviolet light by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents. Arch Dermatol Res. 1982;272(3-4):263-7. doi: 10.1007/BF00509055. PMID: 7165335.