Thomas Hindson and His Discovery of Ascorbic Acid to Treat Prickly Heat

Dr. Thomas Hindson, a British dermatologist, made a significant contribution to dermatology with his discovery of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) as a treatment for prickly heat (miliaria rubra). In 1968, after observing the condition of an air force officer improve following accidental consumption of 1000 mg of ascorbic acid daily for a week, Dr. Hindson conducted a randomized clinical trial in Singapore. The trial involved 30 children aged 4 months to 8 years who suffered from repeated attacks of prickly heat. They were given either 15 mg/kg of ascorbic acid or a placebo for two weeks. The results showed that the lesions completely disappeared in 14 of the 15 children treated with ascorbic acid, with no further lesions or adverse effects at follow-up visits 1 to 2 months later. Dr. Hindson's work was recognized with the Wycombe Chair Prize of the British Association of Dermatologists in 1987. He passed away in September 2001, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated dermatologist in both civilian and military contexts.