['The capacity of topical metronidazole to reduce erythema severity scores in rosacea has been attributed to its anti-inflammatory activity.', 'Nine healthy subjects were irradiated on three 1-cm(2) areas on their volar forearm with 2 MEDs of UVB. Twenty-four hours later, one of the irradiated areas was treated daily with metronidazole 1% vanishing cream, one with the vehicle only and the third was left untreated (control). The intensity of erythema was measured, at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after irradiation, by a Chromameter CR200 (Minolta, Japan) and expressed in the L*a*b* system. The a* parameter was taken as the measure of redness.', 'Overall, redness diminished over time in a linear way, but treatments did not influence it significantly.'] Does topical metronidazole abate UVB-induced erythema?