Clearance of UVB-induced erythema in patients with non-melanoma skin cancer.

We have examined the clearance of UVB-induced erythema in 10 non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) patients, comparing their responses to a control group. All participants were followed to resolution of erythema, as measured by a chromameter. The resultant response pattern was modelled in three phases, with comparison of the rates of decay in erythema carried out. Analysis of the rapid decay phase demonstrated a significantly slower rate of resolution of erythema in the NMSC group, compared with the controls. Further elucidation of the molecular and genetic mechanisms controlling this response may improve our understanding of UV-induced carcinogenesis.