Para-aminobenzoic acid, also known as PABA, is a naturally occurring chemical found in a range of food items including brewer's yeast, molasses, mushrooms, liver, eggs and whole grains. It is taken internally as a supplement and is also an ingredient in topical sunscreens. PABA is important to the health of skin and hair.
Properties
PABA is considered to be in the B complex of vitamins, although it is not an essential vitamin, as the body produces it naturally from folic acid. The chemical also acts as a dye, which absorbs ultraviolet light, preventing it from reaching and damaging the skin.
Skin Disorders
According to PDRHealth, certain skin disorders have been treated with PABA. These include pemphigus, a rare, blistering, autoimmune disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes; scleroderma, which forms hard, smooth areas on the skin; and the white skin patches of vitiligo.
Other Medical Uses
PDRHealth also identifies several other medical conditions for which PABA has been used as a treatment. Dermatomyositis, a connective tissue disease related to polio, and Peyronie's disease, a fibrous formation that causes a curvature of the penis, have been treated with PABA. PABA is also used in treating female infertility.
Other Uses
PABA is often taken as a vitamin supplement. Some mistakenly think that oral PABA will protect against sun exposure, but this is not the case. PABA is used topically as a sunscreen. As such, PABA should be applied liberally to all exposed areas of the skin to provide the best level of protection.
Side Effects
Because PABA is acidic, it stings if it makes contact with the eyes and can stain clothing. For this reason PABA is often combined with other chemicals to form PABA esters, which do not sting or stain. Health-Care-Clinic.org lists rashes, hives, itching or swollen skin, anorexia, fever, stomach upset and vitiligo as possible minor side effects of using PABA. Serious side effects may include breathing problems and tightness or pain in the chest. The National Institutes of Health relates that nausea and vomiting, stupor, dizziness and coma may occur in cases of overdose.
Member Comments