Protectant for UV-induced skin damage

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for protecting against UV radiation-induced skin damage. Specifically, compositions including dapsone are administered to provide UV protection. The dapsone compositions may be administered orally, or by other parenteral routes, such as topically, transdermally, by inhalation, and the like.

1 . A method for protecting against ultraviolet radiation-induced skin damage in an individual comprising: 
 a) selecting an individual in need of protection from ultraviolet radiation; and    b) administering a composition to the individual, wherein said composition comprises dapsone.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said individual is in need of protection from a malignant skin tumor.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said individual is in need of protection from squamous cell carcinoma.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said individual is in need of protection from basal cell carcinoma.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said individual is in need of protection from a premalignant skin lesion.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein said individual is in need of protection from actinic keratosis.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition is administered before said individual engages in an activity, wherein said activity exposes said individual to ultraviolet radiation.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said activity is an outdoor activity.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said activity is sunbathing.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said activity is swimming.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said activity is running.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said activity is an indoor activity.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said activity is tanning.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition is administered topically.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said composition is a semi-solid aqueous gel.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said composition is a cream.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said composition is a lotion.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said composition is a solution.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said composition is an ointment.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said composition is a spray.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition is orally administered.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition is parenterally administered.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition is transmucosally administered.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition is transdermally administered.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition is administered by inhalation.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of a preservative, an antioxidant, a fragrance, and a colorant.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition comprises at least about 1% dapsone.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition comprises at least about 3% dapsone.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition comprises at least about 5% dapsone.  
     
     
         30 . A method for preventing a premalignant skin lesion from becoming a malignant skin tumor comprising administering a composition to an individual having at least one premalignant skin lesion, wherein said composition comprises dapsone.  
     
     
         31 . A method for preventing UV-induced malignant skin tumor formation in an individual comprising: 
 a) selecting the individual in need of protection from UV radiation; and    b) administering a composition to the individual, wherein said composition comprises dapsone.