Topical photoprotection in childhood and adolescence

Abstract

Objective: Exposure to sunlight in childhood is often more intense than in adults. Literature data unequivocally show the association between this social behavior and the risk for developing malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, even in adulthood. Furthermore, skin photoaging begins already in childhood through inadequate sun exposure. This review aims to guide pediatricians on appropriate measures of topical photoprotection in children and adolescents, which will positively change the future of these patients. Sources:A review of the literature indexed in MEDLINE/PubMed between the years 1999 and 2012 on photoprotection in childhood was conducted. The most relevant review articles on photoprotection in children and adolescents, photoprotection and vitamin D in neonatal phototherapy and impact on skin cancer, artificial tanning and skin cancer were selected as sources. Summary of the findings:Children and adolescents should adopt appropriate measures of photoprotection in order to decrease the risk of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Conclusions:There are published data that support the association between sun exposure habits and safe use of topical sunscreens in children and adolescents on the one hand and a reduced occurrence of skin cancer on the other. ResumoObjetivo: A exposição à luz solar na infância ocorre, frequentemente, de forma mais intensa do que em muitos adultos. Dados da literatura comprovam de maneira inequívoca a associação desse comportamento social com o risco de desenvolvimento do melanoma maligno e do câncer cutâneo não melanoma mesmo na vida adulta. Além disso, o fotoenvelhecimento cutâneo é semeado já na infância com a exposição solar inadequada. Esta revisão tem como objetivo orientar os pediatras nas medidas adequadas de fotoproteção tópica nas crianças e adolescentes, o que irá alterar de maneira positiva o futuro desses pacientes. Fontes dos dados:Realizou-se uma revisão da literatura indexada na base de dados MEDLINE/PubMed entre os anos de 1999 e 2012 sobre fotoproteção na infância, selecionando-se como fonte os artigos de revisão mais relevantes, do ponto de vista de abrangência do tema fotoproteção em crianças e adolescentes, fotoproteção e vitamina D, fototerapia na neonatologia e impacto no câncer cutâneo, bronzeamento artificial e câncer cutâneo. Síntese dos dados:Crianças e adolescentes devem adotar medidas adequadas de fotoproteção para diminuir o risco de câncer cutâneo melanoma e não melanoma. Conclusões:Há dados na literatura que suportam a associação de hábitos de exposição solar segura e uso de fotoprotetores tópicos em crianças e adolescentes com a redução da ocorrência do câncer cutâneo.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2012;88(3):203-10: Melanoma maligno, câncer cutâneo, fotoproteção.

Práticas de exposição e proteção solar de jovens universitários

“…Among these, are young adults considered candidates to suffer damage from radiation, insofar as they are often exposed to sport and leisure activities. Subject to cumulative exposure over their lives, are more propense to influence conferred by the aesthetic appreciation of tanning and are in the most prone age group of unprotected exposure (7)(8)(9)(10) .…”

Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection

“… 264 - 266 In countries such as Australia, where educational campaigns about children wearing more clothes have been promoted for several years, the search for adequate clothing for outdoor activities by the parents has become very popular, especially on beaches. 265 …”

“…Until two years of age the wearing of inorganic protectors is preferable for having smaller potential of cutaneous permeation when compared with organic protectors. 265 , 317 - 319…”

“…Sun exposure should be avoided in the period when the shadow projected on the ground is smaller than the child's height. 265 , 320 …”

Prevalence of photoprotection and its associated factors in risk group for skin cancer in Teresina, Piauí

“…This increased incidence occurs even with the efforts of public actions and policies to enhance the adoption of safety measures regarding sun exposure. 1,2 …”