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Annual Review of Medicine 1996Sunlight exposure produces a variety of adverse cutaneous effects. Erythema, photosensitivity, and immunologic alterations represent acute events, whereas photoaging and... (Review)
Review
Sunlight exposure produces a variety of adverse cutaneous effects. Erythema, photosensitivity, and immunologic alterations represent acute events, whereas photoaging and carcinogenesis are long-term consequences. These adverse cutaneous sequelae can be minimized by photoprotection in the form of sun avoidance, regular cover-up with clothing, and sunscreen application. This chapter reviews the diagnosis and treatment of sun-related skin disorders and recommendations for reducing photodamage.
Topics: Humans; Skin Aging; Skin Diseases; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 8712772
DOI: 10.1146/annurev.med.47.1.181 -
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &... 2014We present research on sunscreen use with possible pitfalls and discuss theory vs. reality. A literature review in PubMed was conducted using the terms 'sunscreen... (Review)
Review
We present research on sunscreen use with possible pitfalls and discuss theory vs. reality. A literature review in PubMed was conducted using the terms 'sunscreen application', 'sunscreen use' and 'sun protection factor'. The sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens are tested using a thickness of 2 mg/cm(2) , but investigations show that sunscreen under natural conditions is applied insufficiently with amounts about 0.39 to 1.0 mg/cm(2) , which decreases the protection factor considerably. It has been shown that early reapplication or use of very high SPF (70-100) may partly compensate for the discrepancy between the amounts of sunscreen applied during testing and in reality, and that sunscreen application can be improved by education of consumers. Missing areas and ultraviolet radiation exposure before sunscreen application are other pitfalls that reduce the protective effect of sunscreens considerably. Current sunscreen labelling overrates the protective effect of a given sunscreen when the reality of sunscreen use is taken into account. This may possibly mislead consumers to feel it is safe to extend sun exposure. Alternatively to educating people to use large amounts of sunscreen, we suggest a simple teaching strategy: (1) Apply before sun exposure and (2) Reapply once within 1 h.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Patient Education as Topic; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 24313722
DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12099 -
World Journal of Surgery 1992The evidence relating cutaneous malignant melanoma to previous sun exposure is now very strong. Major northern hemisphere studies consistently show increases in melanoma... (Review)
Review
The evidence relating cutaneous malignant melanoma to previous sun exposure is now very strong. Major northern hemisphere studies consistently show increases in melanoma in association with recreational and vacation activities related to intermittent sun exposure. These studies have also recorded amounts of sun exposure from such activities. Several studies suggest an increased risk related to short periods of intensive exposure in early adult life. In contrast, regular outdoor occupation confers a decreased risk in these same studies. Australian studies, in populations with much higher levels of total sun exposure, do not show such a clear distinction between intermittent and chronic exposure. The evidence is consistent with a complex relationship of melanoma risk to sun exposure, the risk being increased by intermittent exposure to levels of sun which are higher than normal for that individual, but no increased risk or even a decreased risk related to long term chronic exposure. Possible biological mechanisms for this complex relationship are discussed. In the Western Canada Melanoma Study the effects of occupational and recreational exposure are different in form and are independent. The increased risks seen with various measures of sun exposure do not appear to be systematically different for individuals who have a good tanning response as compared to individuals who do not.
Topics: Environmental Exposure; Humans; Melanoma; Radiation Dosage; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 1561794
DOI: 10.1007/BF02071515 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Apr 2023
Topics: Sunlight; Keratinocytes; Cellular Senescence
PubMed: 36702706
DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.12.010 -
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology Mar 2012The health consequences of sun exposure have concerned mankind for more than 100 years. Recent molecular studies in photodermatology have greatly advanced our... (Review)
Review
The health consequences of sun exposure have concerned mankind for more than 100 years. Recent molecular studies in photodermatology have greatly advanced our understanding of this important topic. We will illustrate this progress by focusing on the following selected topics: (i) the nature of the DNA damage-independent part of the UVB response of human skin and the role of the arylhydrocarbon receptor in cutaneous biology, (ii) the contribution of wavelengths beyond the UV spectrum to solar radiation-induced skin damage, (iii) the emerging evidence that subcutaneous fat is a target tissue for sunlight, and (iv) the most recent insight into the mode of action of phototherapy.
Topics: DNA Damage; Humans; Phototherapy; Skin; Skin Aging; Sunlight; Vitamin D
PubMed: 22170486
DOI: 10.1038/jid.2011.394 -
Anticancer Research Feb 2018For a long time, skin cancer has been known to be related to extensive UV exposure. New emerging data have, however, shown low UV exposure/low vitamin D levels to be... (Review)
Review
For a long time, skin cancer has been known to be related to extensive UV exposure. New emerging data have, however, shown low UV exposure/low vitamin D levels to be related to increased mortality rate due to skin cancer. In addition, low sun exposure habits in regions of low solar intensity have been shown to be a major risk factor for all-cause mortality in the same range as that for smoking. This is mainly due to lower all-cause mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-CVD/non-cancer disease among women with active sun exposure. Women with active sun exposure habits were estimated to have a 1- to 2-year longer life-expectancy during the Melanoma in Southern Sweden study interval. These findings are in line with those to be expected from an evolutionary perspective and research findings, but in opposition to present guidelines and recommendations.
Topics: Humans; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 29374755
DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.12337 -
JAMA Dermatology Aug 2016
Topics: Environmental Exposure; Esthetics; Europe; History, 20th Century; History, Ancient; History, Medieval; Humans; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays; United States
PubMed: 27532352
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.5660 -
Progress in Biophysics and Molecular... Dec 2011Melanoma is the most common form of cancer among young adults aged 25-29 years and the second most common cancer in those aged 15-29 years. We reviewed all the evidence... (Review)
Review
Melanoma is the most common form of cancer among young adults aged 25-29 years and the second most common cancer in those aged 15-29 years. We reviewed all the evidence regarding risk factors for melanoma, looking in particular at childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV). UV radiation is clearly the predominant environmental and thus potentially modifiable risk factor for melanoma. All activities related to tan-seeking behaviour and history of sunburns were shown to be significantly associated to melanoma. Host factors, such as pigmentary characteristics, and genetic predisposition plays also an important role. UV exposure is not only due to the sun but also to indoor tanning devices that have been shown to lead to an elevated risk of melanoma. The strongest evidence for a link between artificial UV and melanoma is found among individuals who had their first exposure to indoor tanning before the age of 30: they have a 75% increase risk of developing melanoma than individuals who had no exposure to indoor tanning. Prevention is very important, especially for children and young adults, as childhood and adolescence are critical periods in the development of later melanoma. Indoor tanning is a widespread practice in most developed countries, particularly in Northern Europe and the USA. In the recent decades more and more people, especially teenagers and women, are exposed to substantially high radiant exposures of UV through artificial sources and these trends raised a considerable concern. In fact the International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that the association between skin cancer and exposure to solar radiation and the use of UV-emitting tanning devices are causal. Interesting analyses carried out in Iceland showed that when interventions to discourage sunbed use were introduced the incidence of melanoma among women decreased. All this evidence encouraged many countries to introduce regulations on sunbed use to avoid exposure before the age of 18.
Topics: Environmental Exposure; Humans; Melanoma; Risk Factors; Sunbathing; Sunlight; Vitamin D
PubMed: 21958910
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2011.09.011 -
Journal of Cancer Education : the... Jun 2022Kitesurfing is one of many water sports that are growing in popularity throughout the world. In such sports, practitioners are exposed not only to direct sunlight but...
Kitesurfing is one of many water sports that are growing in popularity throughout the world. In such sports, practitioners are exposed not only to direct sunlight but also to reflection from the water surface, which aggravates the impact of solar radiation on the skin. This study sought to analyse the photoprotection and photoexposure habits and knowledge of elite kitesurfers and their beliefs and attitudes in this respect. A sample of convenience of 72 male kitesurfers completed a validated questionnaire in full. By Fitzpatrick phototype, the most common classes were types I and II (69.4%). On average, kitesurfers had been practising their sport for 10.93 years, at a rate of 13.93 h per week. During the last sports season, 84.7% of respondents had suffered at least one sunburn, while 43.1% had been sunburned at least three times. The sun protection practice most commonly adopted was the use of sunscreen cream, which was used by 79.2% of respondents. Although 43.2% of respondents recognized to be worried about they might get skin cancer from the sun, 31.9% does not like using sunscreen and 44.4% like sunbathing. Regarding the respondents' knowledge of facts about sun exposure, the average rate of correct answers for the items evaluated was 66.9%. In conclusion, elite kitesurfers are potentially exposed to dangerous levels of UV radiation, which caused numerous sunburn episodes during the last sports season. It is necessary to raise these athletes' awareness of their risk of developing skin cancer and of the need to improve their sun protection and skin surveillance practices.
Topics: Habits; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Male; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunlight; Sunscreening Agents
PubMed: 32720132
DOI: 10.1007/s13187-020-01838-7 -
Cancer Causes & Control : CCC Jul 1994Non-melanocytic skin cancer has long been regarded as one of the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human health. In this review, we examine... (Review)
Review
Non-melanocytic skin cancer has long been regarded as one of the harmful effects of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human health. In this review, we examine epidemiologic evidence linking sun exposure and skin cancer coming from both descriptive studies in populations and analytical studies involving estimates of exposure in individuals. Particular attention is given to the quality of the published data. The epidemiologic evidence that sun exposure causes skin cancer is mainly indirect. Incidence or mortality is inversely related to latitude in populations of mainly European origin (e.g., the United States, Australia), and is higher in people born in Australia (high ambient solar radiation) than in migrants to Australia from the United Kingdom (lower ambient radiation). Skin cancer occurs mainly at sun-exposed body sites and in people who are sensitive to the sun; a reduced capacity to repair UV-induced DNA damage appears to increase the risk. The direct evidence linking sun exposure and skin cancer is weaker with few well-conducted studies of sun exposure in individuals. Mostly, studies of total sun exposure have not found statistically significant positive associations; those that did, had not adjusted for potential confounding by age and gender and thus their interpretation is limited. Studies of occupational sun exposure had relative risks not greater than 2.0; recreational exposure has been little studied. Other measurements, less direct but potentially less prone to measurement error, are sunburn (not evidently associated with skin cancer risk) and indicators of benign cutaneous sun-damage (strongly associated but lacking empirical evidence that sun exposure is their main cause). Many questions remain about the relationship between sun exposure and skin cancer.
Topics: Adult; Australia; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Epidemiologic Methods; Europe; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; North America; Skin Neoplasms; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 8080949
DOI: 10.1007/BF01804988