Topical corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory compounds have been shown to reduce the severity of erythema produced by ultraviolet radiation (UV), as measured by visual grading of responses, colorimetry and reflectance spectroscopy. The degree and time course of reduction of UV erythema provide convenient indices of anti-inflammatory activity when compared to reference compounds and appropriate controls.

We offer protocols for evaluating the activity of anti-inflammatory compounds using visual grading, clinical photography with image analysis, L*a*b* colorimetry or reflectance spectroscopy.