Influence of Temperature on Ultraviolet Injury

Heat enhances the injurious effect of ultraviolet light exposure. This has been shown in mice subjected to acute ultraviolet burns and in mice killed by continuous ultraviolet exposure. Mice living in a heated environment did not live as long as mice kept at room temperature. The rate of development of skin tumors was higher in mice exposed to ultraviolet light and kept in a hot environment than in mice exposed to ultraviolet light and kept at room temperature or heated for three hours after exposure. Fewer tumors appeared in mice heated for three hours before ultraviolet exposure.