Use of Paraaminobenzoic Acid in Dermatomyositis and Scleroderma

THE PURPOSE of this report is to present certain preliminary observations on the effects of paraaminobenzoic acid in dermatomyositis and in scleroderma. Neither the cause nor the pathogenesis of these rare conditions is understood. The concept of diffuse collagen disease, however, is generally accepted as being applicable to them and to lupus erythematosus. Baehr and Pollack 1 have pointed out that this does not necessarily indicate a close relationship between these disorders, and that it cannot be assumed that their pathogeneses are similar. Nevertheless, it appeared logical to anticipate from the results obtained in lupus erythematosus 2 that paraaminobenzoic acid might also be beneficial in dermatomyositis and in scleroderma. The rationale for administering large doses of paraaminobenzoic acid to patients with lupus erythematosus has been dealt with elsewhere. 2a,c Briefly, it was recalled that exposure to sunlight may induce a relapse or cause an exacerbation of lupus erythematosus. It was