Histological changes produced in skin by equally erythemogenic doses of UV-A, UV-B, UV-C and UV-A with psoralens.

The sequential light microscopic histological changes produced in human skin by a single exposure of UV-A, UV-B, UV-C and oral 8-methoxypsoralen plus UV-A (PUVA) causing approximately equal degress of delayed erythema response, have been evaluated. UV-C and UV-B affect the epidermis to a greater degree than UV-A, while UV-A affects the dermis to a greater degree than UV-B and UV-C. PUVA has prominent effects on both epidermis and dermis, differing in degree from those changes induced by UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C and are longer lasting. The sequence of histological changes following UV exposure is completed more rapidly after exposure to shorter UV wavelengths.