Sunscreen Use Research Articles

A survey of Irish dermatologists' awareness of the environmental impact of sunscreen.

The application of sunscreen is a key pillar of photoprotection; however, there is a growing concern regarding the impact on the environment of ultraviolet filters in sunscreen products. With growing interest in environmental issues, it is important that we are able to discuss these topics with our patients. An online survey was distributed to all members of the Irish Association of Dermatologists regarding knowledge of the impact of sunscreen on the environment. We conclude that although Irish dermatologists routinely recommend the use of sunscreens to patients there is a lack of knowledge regarding the environmental impact of sunscreens.

Sun Protection Counseling at the Pharmacy: A German Qualitative Study on Status Quo, Potential Deficits, and Sources of Information.

The sale of sunscreen products is lucrative for pharmacies, and many people buy sunscreen in pharmacies because they expect to receive good advice on sunscreen use and sun protection. However, little is known about the knowledge level of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the field of skin cancer prevention. By conducting a qualitative study in Germany, we aimed to explore what pharmacy personnel know about sun protection and the proper use of sunscreens, where they get their information from, and where they see deficits concerning these topics. We found that there is a need for education regarding the terms skin type and sun protection factor, both of which can be helpful tools when advising customers on sun protection. In addition, participants wished for more independent information from health authorities because sunscreen manufacturing companies, which offer product-specific information, are often the only source of information. Overall, it seems reasonable that pharmacy staff should be educated more about sun protection behavior and the proper use of sunscreen to be able to advise their customers correctly. Our findings offer a starting point for strengthening the role of pharmacies in skin cancer prevention. It seems to make sense to develop and offer tailored handouts for customer counseling. Since sunscreen products are perceived as seasonal products, an educational leaflet can help refresh knowledge about the use of sunscreen and the concepts of skin type and sun protection factor in early summer.

Awareness of sun exposure and use of sunscreen by the general population of western Libya

Sun exposure has a pathogenic effect on the development of skin cancer, whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. Avoidance of sun exposure is considered to be an effective and safe tool for the prevention of skin cancer and photo aging. Sun exposure and photo protection-related behavior and knowledge are important aspects in the prevention of skin cancer and photodermatoses. The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge of Libya's western region regarding sun exposure and the risk of skin cancer, as well as to study their sun-protective attitudes and practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between August and October 2022. A self-structured questionnaire with 100 samples was used for the interviews with the subjects, and 50 pharmacies were also recorded . The questionnaire consisted of four parts. The first part included social demographic data; the second part included different questions about sun exposure and sun protection behavior among study participants; the third part, using sunscreen among study participants; and the fourth part, specialty data from 50 pharmacies. The conclusion of this study indicated good knowledge about the hazards of sun exposure but indicated a low rate of sunscreen use by our population despite reasonable. This necessitates the need for health education programmes

Cord vitamin D levels in newborns and its clinical correlation

Vitamin D levels in newborns mainly depend on maternal vitamin D levels and maternal-fetal transfer of Vitamin D and its metabolites during pregnancy. Babies born to mothers with marked Vitamin D deficiency may have neonatal Rickets. There are many factors determining the Vitamin D levels in mother, like skin pigmentation, duration of sunlight exposure, body mass index, degree of altitude, clothing, sunscreen use, weather, air pollution, season and time of the day. Mothers with light - colored skin require a lesser duration of exposure as compared to mothers with dark-colored skin. If left untreated, children can develop hypocalcemic seizures, growth failure, irritability, lethargy, respiratory infections, and allergies, tetany, and laryngospasm and even dilated cardiomyopathy. Hence we performed this study to evaluated the role of cord vitamin D levels. Methods this was a prospective observational study performed on term neonates weighing > 2.5 kg. Cord vitamin D was estimated at birth, and correlated with various maternal parameters such as anaemia, sun exposure, co-morbidities etc. Results: the mean cord vitamin D levels were low in those babies born to mothers with anaemia, lack of pre-natal supplementation of vitamin D and calcium, as well as less sun exposure. Conclusion: Cord vitamin D could be a marker of vitamin D deficiency in neonates born to mothers with risk factors like anaemia, lack of sun exposure and supplementation.

BI14 Photoprotection and skin cancer awareness in kidney transplant recipients living with HIV: a single-centre cross-sectional study

Abstract Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are up to 65 times more likely to develop nonmelanoma skin cancers than age-matched general populations. HIV has also been associated with increased skin cancer rates. However, to date, there has been no study evaluating photoprotection and skin cancer awareness in KTRs living with HIV (KTRLHIV). Using validated photoprotection and skin cancer awareness questionnaires, we evaluated knowledge and practices in KTRLHIV and an HIV-negative KTR cohort, matched for age, sex, ethnicity and years since transplant. KTRLHIV (n = 27) and matched HIV-negative KTRs (n = 25) completed the questionnaires. Thirty-four (65%) were male and 37 (71%) were Black. The average age was 56 years (range 43–74). On average, patients were 7.3 years post-transplant (range 0.7–24). Twenty-two (81%) KTRLHIV vs. 15 (60%) matched HIV-negative KTRs had not seen a dermatologist in the last year. Only 14 (52%) KTRLHIV had received sun protection advice vs. 20 (80%) of the matched KTRs (P = 0.033). There were statistically significant lower rates of overall sunscreen use in KTRLHIV compared with matched HIV-negative KTRs (33% vs. 60%; P = 0.054). Only a small proportion used sunscreen daily (22% vs. 27%), of a sun protection factor > 25 (78% vs. 100%). A strongly positive tetrachoric correlation coefficient of 0.77 indicated that providing photoprotection advice correlates to sunscreen use. Significantly lower rates of photoprotection behaviours were seen in the KTRLHIV compared with HIV-negative KTRs, particularly never avoiding direct sunlight (59% vs. 16%; P = 0.001) and never dressing to protect from the sun (52% vs. 12%; P = 0.002). We have identified statistically significant lower knowledge of photoprotection and skin cancer awareness in KTRLHIV vs. matched HIV-negative KTRs. Lower rates of skin cancer protection advice may have resulted in lower rates of sunscreen use and poorer photoprotection behaviours in KTRLHIV. A dedicated skin cancer awareness education to promote patient-led skin cancer prevention alongside formal dermatology referral is recommended.

The Relationship Between the Level of Knowledge Regarding the Importance of Sunscreen Use for Skin Health and Compliance with Sunscreen Use Among Preclinical Students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Al-Azhar

The Relationship Between the Level of Knowledge Regarding the Importance of Sunscreen Use for Skin Health and Compliance with Sunscreen Use Among Preclinical Students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Al-Azhar

Exploring associations between skin, the dermal microbiome, and ultraviolet radiation: advancing possibilities for next-generation sunscreens

Recent studies have provided strong evidence of a functional link between the microbiota of the skin and overall host health. While sunscreens offer protection against acute and chronic dermatological damage by reflecting, absorbing and scattering ultraviolet radiation, their impact on the skin microbiota is poorly understood. The use of sunscreens may affect the skin microbiota directly or indirectly through mechanisms associated with UV protection, and conversely, the microbiota could mediate or alleviate UV-induced skin damage. Here we consider opportunities for the development of improved sunscreens including formulas that work in tandem with skin commensal microorganisms or which minimise direct effects on the skin microbiota.

Effects of Commercial Sunscreens on Survival, Reproduction and Embryonic Development of the Aquatic Snail Biomphalaria glabrata (SAY, 1818).

Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the use of sunscreens. Consequently, the occurrence in aquatic environments of ultraviolet filters has also increased. The present study aims to evaluate the toxicity of two commercial sunscreens to the aquatic snail Biomphalaria glabrata. Acute assays were performed with adult snails exposed to solutions of the two products in synthetic soft water. Reproduction and development assays were carried out, involving individual adult and egg masses exposure to assess fertility and embryonic development. Sunscreen A showed a LC50-96h of 6.8g/L and reduction in number of eggs and egg masses per individual in the concentration of 0.3g/L. Sunscreen B presented higher malformation rates in 0.4g/L with 63% of malformed embryos. Results indicate that the formulation used in sunscreens is an important factor in aquatic toxicity and needs to be evaluated before the final product is commercialized.

CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays critical roles in the proper functioning of your body, including bone health and immunity. It may even help prevent cancer and protect against several chronic conditions, including. Inadequate consumption of calcium-rich food is one of the reasons for calcium deficiency in children. Hypocalcemia that outcomes from diet d deficiency are maximum installed for the duration of durations of rapid growth, at the side of in infancy and youth. That’s why getting enough of this nutrient on a daily basis can be difficult, especially for children. Plus, the time of year, cloud cover, sunscreen use, and skin pigmentation can all impact UV radiation exposure and vitamin D synthesis in the skin Importance of Vitamin D. Knee deformity is described as an alteration inside the normal structural alignment and corners of bones comprising the knee joint thereby compromising the ordinary congruity of the joints. Milk is the best source of calcium. Other dairy products are also rich in calcium.

The impact of a novel digital sun protection campaign on sun‐related attitudes and behaviours of healthcare workers: A prospective observational study

AbstractBackground13 000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in Ireland, with ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure the strongest risk factor. Public health primary prevention campaigns focus on encouraging safe sun protective measures and skin cancer awareness. We designed a novel, digitally‐animated hospital‐based campaign targeting all aspects of sun‐protective behaviour.ObjectivesTo explore the sun‐protective attitudes and behaviours of healthcare workers, and the effect of a digital hospital‐based campaign on these findings.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional prospective observational study involving hospital staff across the six hospitals that form the University of Limerick Hospital Group (ULHG). A two‐phase online survey, the first taking place before campaign launch, and the second upon campaign completion. The digital campaign was displayed across all hospital sites from June to September 2021. Surveys comprised questions on sun‐related attitudes and behaviours, including the internationally validated Sun Exposure Protection Index (SEPI) questionnaire.ResultsEight hundred fifty‐seven staff members completed survey 1 and 704 completed survey 2; 90% in each were female; 79% were aged 25–54; 71% reported skin types I–III. Best sun‐protective habits pre‐campaign included sunscreen use and avoiding sunburn, while wearing hats, protective clothing and seeking shade were least adopted. For 177 matched participants, there were small improvements in SEPI scores. SEPI Part 1 scores, reflecting improved risk behaviour, pre‐campaign had a median of 11 (IQR 7), and 11 (IQR 6) post campaign. SEPI Part 2 scores, reflecting readiness to adopt sun‐protective behaviours, improved from median 7 (IQR 8) to 6 (IQR 6). Post‐campaign, small improvements were seen across some individual sun‐protective behaviours and attitudes, particularly reducing time spent in the midday sun and on sun‐seeking holidays, and improved readiness to seek shade and reduce sunbathing; 79% of all respondents post‐campaign (n = 556) reported raised skin cancer awareness, and 65% (n = 458) said it influenced them to discuss sun protection with others.ConclusionsPositive improvements in attitudes and behaviours related to sun protection were seen following the digital campaign in this population of healthcare workers. These improvements along with increased willingness to discuss sun protection with others, including patients, has the potential to further benefit wider society, and supports future digital health promotion initiatives.

Impact of ultraviolet radiation on the skin and the role of photoprotection – the review of the literature

Introduction and objective: 
 The sun emits ultraviolet radiation in the UV-A, UV-B and UV-C ranges. Photoprotection is used to prevent the impact of this radiation on the skin. It effectively counteracts photoaging, photodermatoses and photocarcinogenesis.
 The aim of the study is to discuss the impact of UV radiation on the skin and the role of sun protection, also in special groups of patients - children and non-immunocompetent people. The article also presents a summary of data on the effect of sunscreens on vitamin D synthesis.
 Materials and methods: 
 The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed, Google Scholar database and in the recommendations of the Polish Dermatological Society with the use of keywords.
 State of knowledge: 
 Erythema is the most visible effect of sunburn, but exposure to UV radiation is primarily photocarcinogenesis or photoimmunosuppression. The SPF factor is the main determinant of the effectiveness of sunscreens, but effective protection against both UVB and UVA radiation is essential. Daily use of sunscreen reduces skin damage associated with exposure to light and does not negatively affect vitamin D synthesis.
 Conclusions:
 The basis of skin protection is using sunscreens, avoiding excessive exposure to solar radiation and using protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. Thanks to these activities, we can significantly reduce the number of cases of certain skin cancers. It is also important to remember that sun protection applies to everyone, especially children and non-immunocompetent people.

The effects of sport, setting, and demographics on sunscreen use and education in young athletes

ABSTRACT Participation in outdoor sports increases exposure to ultraviolet radiation, necessitating mitigation through sunscreen use. This prospective study examined the effects of sport, setting (practice vs. competition), gender, age and geographic location on sunscreen use and education among youth athletes in various sports. Six hundred and twelve athletes ≤18 years old completed an online survey on sunscreen education and use during competitions and practices. Regardless of sport, reported sunscreen use was higher during practices than competition (p < 0.0001). Sunscreen was used most by swimmers/divers (odds ratio: OR ≥ 1.9, p < 0.001) and least by American football players (OR ≤ 0.57, p ≤ 0.001). Coaches mentioned sunscreen use the most in track and field (OR 1.84, p = 0.001) and the least in American football (OR 0.67, p = 0.03). Athletes used sunscreen more if they were female (OR ≥ 1.9 1.38, p ≤ 0.06) and younger (age OR ≤ 0.88, p < 0.001). In conclusion, youth athletes differ in sunscreen use by sport and setting, highlighting the need for continued photoprotective education.

Skin cancer screening and sun safety education program for high school students in southern California.

e22505 Background: Decreasing unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during childhood can significantly decrease the risk of developing skin cancer as an adult. School-based sun safety curricula have demonstrated efficacy in teaching young adults about the harms of prolonged, unprotected UV exposure and have been effective in increasing safety practices. This project provided a 50-min sun safety curriculum to high school students at a public high school in San Diego, CA just prior to the summer break in 2022. The curriculum addressed skin cancer risk factors, skin protection methods, the benefits of limiting lifetime UV exposure, and methods for performing a skin self exam. The study objective was to assess sun safety knowledge before and after the class, and measure behavior changes three months thereafter when students returned from summer break. Methods: The sun safety classes were taught in groups of 40-60 students across six class periods in June 2022. Students were asked to complete an anonymous pre-participation online survey assessing their knowledge of common skin cancer types and skin cancer risk factors. Students were taught the curriculum over 45 minutes with 5 minutes reserved for questions. Two follow-ups surveys were conducted with the students, one at the end of the class period and a second follow-up three months later. Follow-up surveys assessed retention of knowledge and changes in sun safety behavior. Students had the option of providing a cell phone number so they could be contacted to participate in the second follow-up survey. Results: The curriculum was taught to nine classes of approximately 300 students in a single day across six class periods. A total of 206 students completed the pre-participation survey. At the first follow-up, 95.1% of students completed the post-participation survey and students showed significant improvement in knowledge of common skin cancer types (12.6% pre-participation to 68.9% post-participation), skin cancer risk factors (11.2% pre-participation to 16.8% post-participation), and skin cancer prevention methods (22.8% pre-participation to 45.9% post-participation). For the second follow-up, 128 students provided contact information and the survey had a response rate of 71.5%. After 3 months, students demonstrated retention of knowledge of skin cancer types and risk factors. A majority (87.2%) of students indicated that their use of sunscreen had increased and 57.4% indicated that their use of sun protective barriers had increased over the summer because of this course. Conclusions: This pilot course demonstrates that targeted sun safety education for teenagers before summer break can significantly increase sun safety awareness, adoption of protective behaviors, and knowledge about skin cancer. Such an intervention can promote skin cancer awareness at a young age where behavior changes can decrease lifetime risk of skin cancer.

Knowledge and practice of sunscreen use among medical students at Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Nepal

Introduction: (259 words) Sunscreen is essential in preventing skin damage caused by harmful ultraviolet radiation. Regular and appropriate sunscreen application delays photoaging and reduces skin cancer risk. This study aims to assess the general knowledge and practice of sunscreen among medical undergraduates in Nepal.

Revisiting novel interventions in melanoma

Malignant tumor which that arises from uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes is melanoma. Its rare tumor in India, compared to other tropical countries. Fair skin populations have higher incidences of melanoma. The relative mortality is reduced to nearly half with scrupulous use of sunscreens - SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. Melanomas are observed more in countries like Australia and New Zealand (due to actinic rays (UV B rays) of light) and thus guidelines from their ministry of health has been published. First line drugs for melanoma unresectable stage III or IV metastatic disease include Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab. Studies have shown that Pembrolizumab improved overall survival (OS) compared with ipilimumab. Ipilimumab/Nivolumab combination was significantly better than ipilimumab monotherapy. Similarly nivolumab/ipilimumab combination therapy was better than compared with ipilimumab monotherapy regardless of BRAF mutation status. Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib (Tyrosine kinase inhibitors) were developed to inhibit BRAF with mutations at V600. Dabrafenib/Trametinib or Vemurafenib/Cobimetinib combinations were better than monotherapy. Surgery remains the best option for cure in localized, invasive melanoma, with good overall survival rate.

Knowledge and Behavior of Tembung Village Community about Sunscreen to Prevent Melanoma

Indonesia is one of the tropical countries in the world that is illuminated by the sun all year round. High sun exposure requires Indonesian people to be more concerned about skin protection. This is also supported by Indonesia's ultraviolet (UV) index which is classified as a very high hazard risk category, which is 8-10. The risk factors for melanoma is exposure to UV radiation so melanoma can be prevented by reducing exposure to UV rays, one of them by using sunscreen. The use of sunscreen with SPF 15+ every day can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. This study aims to obtain information about the level of knowledge and behavior of people in Tembung about the use of sunscreen to prevent melanoma. The research design used is descriptive research using a cross-sectional study. The Data was obtained through the distribution of online questionnaires with 100 people. Furthermore, the data obtained will be processed using SPSS. 41 people had sufficient knowledge about melanoma, 67 people had less knowledge about sunscreen, and 38 people had good behavior. Most of people in Tembung have sufficient knowledge about melanoma, lack knowledge about sunscreen, and have a good behavior in using sunscreen.

Current practice and beliefs of parents toward sunscreen use for their children: A cross-sectional study

Parents are generally influencing the sun protection behaviors of their children, including sunscreen use. In Saudi Arabia, sunscreen use was estimated in adults but not children. The objective was to estimate the prevalence and predictors of sunscreen use among parents and their children. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2022. Parents who were visiting outpatient clinics at a university hospital in Al-Kharj city, Saudi Arabia, were invited to complete an online questionnaire. A total of 266 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean age of parents was 39.0 ± 8.9 years, and the mean age of children was 8.2 ± 3.2 years. The prevalence of sunscreen use was 38.7% in parents and 24.1% in their children. Females had higher sunscreen use than males in both parents (49.7% versus 7.2%, p < 0.001) and in children (31.9% versus 18.3%, p = 0.011). The most frequent sunburn protection measures practiced by children were wearing long-sleeved clothes (77.0%), sitting in the shade (70.6%), and wearing hats (39.2%). In multivariable analysis, predictors of sunscreen use in parents included female sex, history of sunburn, and sunscreen use by children. Independent predictors of sunscreen use in children included a history of sunburn, wearing hats, and practicing other sunburn protection measures on risky occasions, and sunscreen use in parents. Sunscreen use in parents and children in Saudi Arabia is still inadequate or limited. This calls for community/school intervention programs using educational activities and multimedia promotion. Further studies are needed.

Evaluating the landscape of discount and patient assistance programs for topical sunscreen products in the United States

The use of topical sunscreen plays an important role in dermatologic care through mitigation of ultraviolet-mediated damage and prevention of cutaneous malignancy. 1 Moloney F.J. Collins S. Murphy G.M. Sunscreens: safety, efficacy and appropriate use. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002; 3: 185-191https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200203030-00005 Crossref PubMed Scopus (109) Google Scholar Despite preventive health benefits, sunscreen is regulated as an over-the-counter product for which consumers typically bear the full cost. Besides tax-advantaged saving plans, samples from physicians’ offices and nonprofit organizations, free sunscreen dispensers, and retail discounts, patients have limited means to reduce the financial burden when purchasing sunscreen compared with that when purchasing prescription drugs. For patients requiring year-long use of sunscreen (eg, those with xeroderma pigmentosa and solid organ transplant recipients), the estimated annual cost is US $292, which may add to health disparities. 2 Mahé E. Beauchet A. de Maleissye M.F. Saiag P. Are sunscreens luxury products?. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011; 65: e73-e79https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2010.06.043 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (19) Google Scholar Patient assistance programs (PAPs) can increase patient access to needed medications. 3 Johnson P.E. Patient assistance programs and patient advocacy foundations: alternatives for obtaining prescription medications when insurance fails. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2006; 63: S13-S17https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp060464 Crossref PubMed Scopus (22) Google Scholar To this end, we sought to evaluate the current landscape of discounts and PAPs for sunscreen in the United States.

Educational level-dependent melanoma awareness in a high-risk population in Switzerland.

The worldwide incidence of melanoma has been increasing rapidly in recent decades with Switzerland having one of the highest rates in Europe. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main risk factors for skin cancer. Our objective was to investigate UV protective behavior and melanoma awareness in a high-risk cohort for melanoma. In this prospective monocentric study, we assessed general melanoma awareness and UV protection habits in at-risk patients (≥100 nevi, ≥5 dysplastic nevi, known CDKN2A mutation, and/or positive family history) and melanoma patients using questionnaires. Between 01/2021 and 03/ 2022, a total of 269 patients (53.5% at-risk patients, 46.5% melanoma patients) were included. We observed a significant trend toward using a higher sun protection factor (SPF) in melanoma patients compared with at-risk patients (SPF 50+: 48% [n=60] vs. 26% [n=37]; p=0.0016). Those with a college or university degree used a high SPF significantly more often than patients with lower education levels (p=0.0007). However, higher educational levels correlated with increased annual sun exposure (p=0.041). Neither a positive family history for melanoma, nor gender or Fitzpatrick skin type influenced sun protection behavior. An age of ≥ 50 years presented as a significant risk factor for melanoma development with an odd's ratio of 2.32. Study participation resulted in improved sun protection behavior with 51% reporting more frequent sunscreen use after study inclusion. UV protection remains a critical factor in melanoma prevention. We suggest that melanoma awareness should continue to be raised through public skin cancer prevention campaigns with a particular focus on individuals with low levels of education.

ACTINIC CHEILITIS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY AMONG RURAL WORKERS

To identify the epidemiological aspects of AK in rural workers, 60 patients, residents of rural areas, over 18 years of age, who perform or have performed work activities with exposure to solar radiation participated in this research. Aspects such as sex, sun exposure, literacy level (divided into literate and non-literate), use of lip sunscreen, smoking, alcohol consumption and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Sixty individuals were examined between October and December 2021, 45 (75.0%) were male and 15 (25.0%) were female. As for sun exposure, 38 (63.3%) were exposed to the sun for an average of 8 hours a day, and only 17 individuals (28.3%) used lip balm. The remaining 71.6% do not use and have never used lip balm. Regarding smoking and alcohol consumption, 22 (36.7%) used cigarettes daily, and 14 (23.3%) used alcohol frequently. The literacy level of the individuals examined is high, where most individuals (80.0%) have completed elementary school. These data reveal a relationship between the accumulated working time outdoors and the presence of the pathology, highlighting the need to raise awareness of the use of sun protection and awareness campaigns for the Prevention of Oral Cancer.