Photoprotection in immunocompetent and immunocompromised people

Abstract

SummaryUltraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure from the sun and artificial UV sources has been widely acknowledged as the major culprit for skin cancer and premature skin ageing. Skin cancers are among the most dangerous (cutaneous malignant melanoma) and the most numerous (basal cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis and invasive squamous cell carcinoma) of all neoplasms in the caucasian population worldwide. Skin cancers therefore have a significant impact on public health and healthcare costs, and will continue to do so. It is obvious that adequate photoprotection -seeking shade, wearing protective clothing and using sunscreens -is the key to reducing the harmful effects of UVR in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised people. This article provides background information on UVR, photoprotection (including the concept of topical sunscreen formulations), associated concerns regarding efficacy and safety, and behavioural and educational aspects of photoprotection and skin cancer prevention in immunocompetent and immunocompromised people. Certain persistent misconceptions and mistakes regarding photoprotection are also addressed.Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure from the sun and artificial UV sources has been widely acknowledged as the major culprit for skin cancer and premature skin ageing.

Comparison of pre‐ and post‐transplant sun‐safe behavior of kidney transplant recipients: What is needed to improve?

“…Determining the frequency of skin cancer screening is also important . Our data, similar to the data from other studies, highlight the importance of pretransplantation triage . Patients can be categorized into high‐, medium‐ and low‐risk groups based on skin cancer, sunburn, and cumulative sun exposure histories as well as a physical examination including the assessment of skin phototype .…”

“…High‐risk patients may benefit from more focused dermatological attention and more personalized immunosuppressive agent selection . In cases of multiple and/or high‐risk skin tumors, switching to mTOR inhibitors as immunosuppressive agents or the administration of acitretin as a chemopreventive drug may be recommended, but the proper application of sunscreen and the use of physical sun protection methods are also very important . It has been reported that the use of SPF>50 sunscreens for 24 months can significantly decrease the incidence of actinic keratosis in OTRs and may even prevent the development of new SCCs and, to a lesser degree, BCCs .…”

Ultraviolet light protection by a sunscreen prevents interferon‐driven skin inflammation in cutaneous lupus erythematosus

“…Sunscreens with a high protection factor are routinely used for protection from UV light and skin cancer prevention (15). Only a few studies addressed the effects of sunscreen-based UV protection in CLE patients (16)(17)(18).…”

Skin Cancer Prevention, Tanning and Vitamin D: A Content Analysis of Print Media in Germany and Switzerland

“…The use of a sunscreen was by far the most common and - in many cases - the sole sun protection recommendation made, even though seeking shade and covering up with clothing are assigned a more important role in the hierarchy of photoprotective strategies [20,21]. Moreover, only a minority of articles contained detailed advice about what kind of sunscreen [sun protection factor (SPF), UVA protection, water resistance], clothing (fabric properties) and headgear (wide brim, neck flaps) best to use, and about how to apply sunscreen properly (amount and timing of application, reapplication).…”