The Compounding Effects of Infrared and Ultraviolet Irradiation Upon Normal Human Skin

Results of an experiment designed to determine the effects of infrared on ultraviolet irradiation are presented. A minimal erythemal dose was established under four conditions: irradiation by ultraviolet; irradiation by ultraviolet preceded by twenty-five minutes of infrared; irradiation by ultraviolet followed by twenty-five minutes of infrared; and irradiation by ultraviolet followed by four minutes of infrared. A comparison of the time in seconds required to produce a minimal erythema under each condition was made. The research design and equipment utilized were selected primarily for clinical applicability and availability, respectively.