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Current Problems in Dermatology 2021Black skin, compared with white skin, is generally assumed to be more resistant to the consequences of sun exposure due to its epidermal melanin content. However, recent... (Review)
Review
Black skin, compared with white skin, is generally assumed to be more resistant to the consequences of sun exposure due to its epidermal melanin content. However, recent scientific evidence shows that black skin is not completely impervious to sunlight. Both clinical and -experimental data have reported sun-induced effects on black skin. Black skin can warm, burn and peel when -exposed to the sun. Exposure to the sun can also cause hyperpigmentation and photoageing manifestations. The current misconceptions expressed by most black individuals about their resistance to sun-induced effects prevent their engagement in sun safe behaviours. Therefore, the demystification of the harmful effects of the sun needs to be supported by more research studies showing the effectiveness of sun protection strategies for the black population.
Topics: Black People; Health Behavior; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Skin Pigmentation; Sunlight
PubMed: 34698032
DOI: 10.1159/000517594 -
Anticancer Research Mar 2016Humans evolved in sunlight and had depended on sunlight for its life giving properties that was appreciated by our early ancestors. However, for more than 40 years the... (Review)
Review
Humans evolved in sunlight and had depended on sunlight for its life giving properties that was appreciated by our early ancestors. However, for more than 40 years the lay press and various medical and dermatology associations have denounced sun exposure because of its association with increased risk for skin cancer. The goal of this review is to put into perspective the many health benefits that have been associated with exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet A (UVA) ultraviolet B (UVB), visible and infrared radiation.
Topics: Animals; Health; Humans; Infrared Rays; Light; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin D
PubMed: 26977036
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Internal Medicine Oct 2016Women with active sunlight exposure habits experience a lower mortality rate than women who avoid sun exposure; however, they are at an increased risk of skin cancer. We...
OBJECTIVE
Women with active sunlight exposure habits experience a lower mortality rate than women who avoid sun exposure; however, they are at an increased risk of skin cancer. We aimed to explore the differences in main causes of death according to sun exposure.
METHODS
We assessed the differences in sun exposure as a risk factor for all-cause mortality in a competing risk scenario for 29 518 Swedish women in a prospective 20-year follow-up of the Melanoma in Southern Sweden (MISS) cohort. Women were recruited from 1990 to 1992 (aged 25-64 years at the start of the study). We obtained detailed information at baseline on sun exposure habits and potential confounders. The data were analysed using modern survival statistics.
RESULTS
Women with active sun exposure habits were mainly at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and noncancer/non-CVD death as compared to those who avoided sun exposure. As a result of their increased survival, the relative contribution of cancer death increased in these women. Nonsmokers who avoided sun exposure had a life expectancy similar to smokers in the highest sun exposure group, indicating that avoidance of sun exposure is a risk factor for death of a similar magnitude as smoking. Compared to the highest sun exposure group, life expectancy of avoiders of sun exposure was reduced by 0.6-2.1 years.
CONCLUSION
The longer life expectancy amongst women with active sun exposure habits was related to a decrease in CVD and noncancer/non-CVD mortality, causing the relative contribution of death due to cancer to increase.
Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cause of Death; Environmental Exposure; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Life Expectancy; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Sweden
PubMed: 26992108
DOI: 10.1111/joim.12496 -
Cancer Treatment and Research 2016The epidemiology of melanoma is complex, and individual risk depends on sun exposure, host factors, and genetic factors, and in their interactions as well. Sun exposure... (Review)
Review
The epidemiology of melanoma is complex, and individual risk depends on sun exposure, host factors, and genetic factors, and in their interactions as well. Sun exposure can be classified as intermittent, chronic, or cumulative (overall) exposure, and each appears to have a different effect on type of melanoma. Other environmental factors, such as chemical exposures-either through occupation, atmosphere, or food-may increase risk for melanoma, and this area warrants further study. Host factors that are well known to be important are the numbers and types of nevi and the skin phenotype. Genetic factors are classified as high-penetrant genes, moderate-risk genes, or low-risk genetic polymorphisms. Subtypes of tumors, such as BRAF-mutated tumors, have different risk factors as well as different therapies. Prevention of melanoma has been attempted using various strategies in specific subpopulations, but to date optimal interventions to reduce incidence have not emerged.
Topics: Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Melanoma; Mutation; Occupational Exposure; Risk Factors; Sunlight
PubMed: 26601858
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-22539-5_2 -
Photochemical & Photobiological... Mar 2017We aimed to conduct a narrative review of the rapid advances in knowledge regarding sun exposure and all-cause mortality. Data support the hypothesis that sun exposure... (Review)
Review
We aimed to conduct a narrative review of the rapid advances in knowledge regarding sun exposure and all-cause mortality. Data support the hypothesis that sun exposure avoidance is a major risk factor for all-cause mortality in adjusted analysis (age, income, education, marital status, smoking, and comorbidity). This was caused by an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and noncancer/non-CVD. However, the increased life span among those with high sun exposure naturally results in an increased prevalence of cancer death. In addition, sun exposure increases the incidence, but is related to better prognosis of skin cancer. The new findings indicate that there is a need for modification of guidelines regarding sun exposure. They may also add to our knowledge regarding the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus and increased mortality among non-Caucasians in western countries. According to the present knowledge, in a low solar intensity region we should aim for sound and safe sun exposure habits, especially for those at increased risk of CVD or noncancer/non-CVD.
Topics: Cardiovascular Diseases; Cause of Death; Humans; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunbathing; Sunlight
PubMed: 28074966
DOI: 10.1039/c6pp00316h -
JAMA Dermatology Jan 2018Overexposure to the sun is associated with an increased risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer, but indications of improvements in sun protection behavior are... (Review)
Review
Overexposure to the sun is associated with an increased risk of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer, but indications of improvements in sun protection behavior are poor. Attempts to identify emerging themes in skin cancer control have largely been driven by groups of experts from a single field. In December 2016, 19 experts from various disciplines convened for Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Skin Cancer, a 2-day meeting hosted by the National Academy of Sciences. The group discussed knowledge gaps, perspectives on sun exposure, implications for skin cancer risk and other health outcomes, and new directions. Five themes emerged from the discussion: (1) The definition of risk must be expanded, and categories for skin physiology must be refined to incorporate population diversities. (2) Risky sun exposure often co-occurs with other health-related behaviors. (3) Messages must be nuanced to target at-risk populations. (4) Persons at risk for tanning disorder must be recognized and treated. (5) Sun safety interventions must be scalable. Efficient use of technologies will be required to sharpen messages to specific populations and to integrate them within multilevel interventions. Further interdisciplinary research should address these emerging themes to build effective and sustainable approaches to large-scale behavior change.
Topics: Congresses as Topic; Female; Forecasting; Health Behavior; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Life Style; Male; Melanoma; Primary Prevention; Risk Assessment; Safety Management; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 29117315
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.4201 -
European Review For Medical and... Jan 2015Excessive exposure of the skin to sunlight can lead to many negative effects, such as sunburn, photoaging and skin cancer development. Pollution and stratospheric ozone... (Review)
Review
Excessive exposure of the skin to sunlight can lead to many negative effects, such as sunburn, photoaging and skin cancer development. Pollution and stratospheric ozone layer depletion are factors that increase exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This work is an accurate summary of the current state of knowledge on broad-spectrum photoprotection. Avoiding the sun, skin protection through the use of protective clothing and protective filters are currently the most effective methods of sunscreen provided that they are suitably used. In addition, discussed are controversial issues such as the toxicity of zinc used in sunscreen preparations and the potential for deficiency of vitamin D3 in relation with the application of strict photoprotection. The study has also addressed issues concerning the most recent lines of research in the exploration of modern methods of photoprotection both local and systemic, such as with the use of photolyase or examination of various enzymes repairing damage after sun exposure, as well as the promising future in photoprotection technology.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Radiation Protection; Skin; Sunburn; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 25635982
DOI: No ID Found -
Clinical Nutrition ESPEN Feb 2021Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin whose main function in the body is the regulation of bone mineral metabolism. In the last two decades, there has been an intensive... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin whose main function in the body is the regulation of bone mineral metabolism. In the last two decades, there has been an intensive research for possible vitamin D benefits in non-skeletal health but as today it still remains unclear. The aim of this article is to review vitamin D metabolism and the natural sources to encourage lifestyle changes to avoid deficiency.
REVIEW
Universal screening for vitamin D deficiency is not warranted and it should only be done in cases with risk factors for vitamin deficiency. Vitamin D is measured in the body by determining 25-hydroxycholecalciferol; values below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) are considered inadequate. The three sources of vitamin D are the ultraviolet sun radiation, diet and supplementation. The role of vitamin D supplementation out of the osteoporosis treatment and prevention still remain controversial. Healthy sun exposure and diet should be discussed with all patients with vitamin D deficiency and in general population in promoting health. The skin, through solar radiation, is the main source of vitamin D and provides 90% of the body's needs.
CONCLUSIONS
Changing lifestyle habits, encouraging a controlled sun exposure and proper vitamin D diet is a preventive strategy that should be applied in our daily practice to prevent osteoporosis and other diseases associated with low vitamin D.
Topics: Humans; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 33487250
DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.12.001 -
The Surgical Clinics of North America Feb 2020The incidence of melanoma continues to increase worldwide. In the United States, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in men and the sixth most common cancer in... (Review)
Review
The incidence of melanoma continues to increase worldwide. In the United States, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in men and the sixth most common cancer in women. The risk factors contributing to melanoma have largely remained unchanged, but there is a new focus on modifiable risk factors including sun exposure and ultraviolet light. A large public initiative supported by the Centers for Disease Control focuses on educating the public on the risks of sun exposure and indoor tanning. Early detection and resection of melanoma lesions is necessary to prevent metastasis and reduce medical costs.
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunbathing; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays; United States
PubMed: 31753105
DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2019.09.005 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Mar 2022Terrestrial sunlight is the portion of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the sun and reaches Earth's surface. It encompasses 3 major components: UV radiation... (Review)
Review
Terrestrial sunlight is the portion of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted by the sun and reaches Earth's surface. It encompasses 3 major components: UV radiation (290-400 nm), visible light (400-700 nm), and infrared radiation. The deleterious effects of UV radiation have been appreciated for decades, particularly among those with light skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types I-II) who primarily manifest with burns of varying degrees of severity with sun exposure. In recent years, studies have increasingly shown the negative impact of visible light on skin health, particularly in individuals with skin of color (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI), including the exacerbation of hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as well as induction of the former. Recommendations from medical societies and the US Food and Drug Administration for photoprotection have been evolving along with the knowledge base. Yet, misconceptions about skin damage related to sunlight and the benefits of photoprotection (particularly among those with Fitzpatrick skin types V-VI) are still prevalent among both clinicians and patients. Among patients with skin of color, disorders of hyperpigmentation and other consequences from sun exposure have been associated with impaired skin health and negative burden on quality of life. This review summarizes currently available evidence of the impact of both UV and visible wavelengths and the low utilization of photoprotection measures among people with skin of color, with the goal of providing recommendations to help educate patients.
Topics: Humans; Hyperpigmentation; Infrared Rays; Quality of Life; Skin; Skin Pigmentation; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays; Ethnic and Racial Minorities
PubMed: 34942293
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.020