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PubMed2002

Current action for skin cancer risk reduction in English schools: pupils' behaviour in relation to sunburn.

In a random sample of schools distributed throughout all areas of England, 2703 primary school pupils from 46 schools and 2692 secondary school pupils from 32 schools were surveyed regarding behaviour in the sun, and opinions and experience of sunburn. Seventy percent (1879) of primary and 36.5% (982) of secondary pupils recalled hearing about protecting themselves from the sun at school. Primary school pupils who recalled they were told to 'stay in the shade' were more likely say they did so; 27.3% (739) of primary and 20.7% (556) of secondary school pupils reported getting sunburnt; and 53.2% (393/739) primary school pupils and 52.5% (292/556) secondary school pupils reporting sunburn said their sunburn peeled. The most common time both primary and secondary pupils said they got sunburnt at school was at lunchtime (mid-day break); the next most common time was during sports day. Pupils saying they did not protect their skin because they wanted a tan were more likely to report sunburn (41.7% primary and 29.5% secondary) than those giving other reasons. Primary school pupils who said they used sun screen frequently (285/847) were more likely than 'never users' (178/813) to report sunburn, as were secondary school pupils (53/192 and 264/1565 for frequent and 'never users', respectively). Dark- and light-skinned pupils at primary school (27.3 and 27.4%, respectively) were equally likely to say they had been sunburnt. At secondary school, only 10.6% of dark-skinned compared with 22.3% of light-skinned pupils reported sunburn. The last two findings might be related to cultural behaviours and are discussed later. Pupils of all ages need encouragement to protect their skin at mid-day break, to use sunscreens correctly and be aware of alternative sun-protection methods. Education is needed which challenges the notion that a 'tan is beautiful' and uses social teaching methods to empower pupils to carry out sun protection in real life.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

Tanning and sunburn: knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of people in Great Britain.

BACKGROUND: A representative sample of the British population was interviewed to identify the factors associated with sunburn and intention to tan, and the source from which people obtained their information about the risks of sun exposure. METHODS: As part of its rolling Omnibus survey, the Office for National Statistics interviewed a randomly selected representative sample of 1858 adults (aged 16 or over) in Great Britain in October 1996. The analysis and interpretation of the resulting data form the basis of this study. RESULTS: The response rate was just below 70 per cent. Forty-three per cent of men and 35 per cent of women reported sunburning in the 12 months to October 1996. Factors associated with sunburn were: being male, having a skin that tans with difficulty and being younger. Concerning 'intention to tan', 34 per cent of men and 39 per cent of women admitted trying. There were associations with having a skin that tans easily, and, less strongly, with being younger. There was a clear association between trying to tan and severity of sunburn. Most people identified television as their main source of information about the dangers of sun exposure, and the majority had seen the sunburn forecasts on weather reports. Comparison with a previous Omnibus sunburn survey from 1993 shows little change in the proportion of the population becoming sunburnt, but some increase in the proportion of men intending to tan. CONCLUSIONS: The data allow an insight into current sun-related behaviour and whether there has been a change since 1993. Health promotion campaigns warning about the risk from the sun may have increased awareness, but have thus far failed to reduce the proportion becoming sunburnt. It is time to re-evaluate the thinking behind such programmes.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Ultraviolet-B-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes: evidence for partial involvement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the formation of sunburn cells.

Irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) B radiation results in the formation of apoptotic keratinocytes called sunburn cells. Recently, it was demonstrated that keratinocytes can release tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is known to cause apoptosis in particular cells. In addition, it has been shown that UVB light induces the release of TNF-alpha by keratinocytes and that keratinocytes express the 55-kD receptor for TNF-alpha. Therefore, we investigated whether TNF-alpha is involved in UV-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes. Normal human keratinocytes and HaCaT cells were exposed to UVB light, and apoptosis was examined by nick translation evaluated by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. UVB induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, which was confirmed by electron microscopy. Addition of a polyclonal antibody directed against human TNF-alpha immediately after UVB exposure was able to reduce DNA fragmentation. However, it was not possible to rescue all cells from apoptosis. To prove whether TNF-alpha is also involved in vivo in UVB-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes, Balb/c mice were exposed to UVB on their abdomens, skin biopsies were performed 24 h later, and sunburn cells were counted. A single dose of 2000 J/m2 caused a significant induction of sunburn cells. Subcutaneous injection of a polyclonal antibody directed against murine TNF-alpha immediately after UVB treatment resulted in a significant but incomplete reduction of sunburn cells, whereas injection of a rabbit IgG as a control had no effect. In both the in vitro and in vivo systems, application of recombinant TNF-alpha alone either to untreated keratinocytes or into normal murine skin did not induce sunburn cells. Thus, these data demonstrate that TNF-alpha is involved in UVB-induced apoptosis, but by itself is not able to induce sunburn cells. This further supports the notion that UVB-induced apoptosis of keratinocytes is a multifactorial event.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Use of sunscreen, sunburning rates, and tanning bed use among more than 10 000 US children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the association of sunscreen use, sunburning, and tanning bed use by age, sex, residence, and psychosocial variables associated with tan-seeking behaviors, and to compare these findings with sun protection recommendations from federal agencies and cancer organizations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, from all 50 states, of 10 079 boys and girls 12 to 18 years of age in 1999. Data were collected from self-report questionnaires with the children of the participants from the Nurses Health Study (Growing Up Today Study). RESULTS: The prevalence of sunscreen use was 34.4% with girls more likely to use sunscreen than boys (40.0 vs 26.4, odds ratio: 1.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.70-2.03). Eighty-three percent of respondents had at least 1 sunburn during the previous summer, and 36% had 3 or more sunburns. Nearly 10% of respondents used a tanning bed during the previous year. Girls were far more likely than boys to report tanning bed use (14.4 vs 2.4), and older girls (ages 15-18) were far more likely than younger girls (ages 12-14) to report tanning bed use (24.6% vs 4.7). Tanning bed use increased from 7% among 14-year-old girls to 16% by age 15, and more than doubled again by age 17 (35%; N = 244). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that attitudes associated with tanning, such as the preference for tanned skin, having many friends who were tanned, and belief in the worth of burning to get a tan, were generally associated with sporadic sunscreen use, more frequent sunburns, and increased use of tanning beds. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that many children are at subsequent risk of skin cancer because of suboptimal sunscreen use, high rates of sunburning, and tanning bed use. Recommendations in the United States for improved sun protection and avoidance of tanning beds and sunburning, which began in the early 1990s, have been primarily unheeded. Nationally coordinated campaigns with strong policy components must be developed and sustained to prevent skin cancer in a new generation of children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Management of acute sunburn.

Current literature documents the use of many pharmacologic agents in the management of acute sunburn. While numerous studies have been undertaken, there is no consensus on an algorithm for such treatment. We review the literature for an evidence-based approach to the management of sunburn. A MEDLINE search was conducted whereby all published articles related to sunburn or ultraviolet (UV)-induced erythema from 1966-2001 were evaluated. Studies and reviews were excluded if they were not conducted in human beings. The results of these studies are varying and often conflicting in terms of clinical effectiveness or feasibility. A total of 40 studies were reviewed. Fourteen out of the 40 studies addressed the actual treatment of sunburn (i.e. the application of a substance after the development of signs or symptoms). The majority concluded that either corticosteroids, NSAIDs, antioxidants, antihistamines or emollients were ineffective at decreasing recovery time. The remaining studies showed mild improvement with such treatments, but study designs or methods were flawed. Furthermore, regardless of the treatment modality, the damage to epidermal cells is the same. Given the lack of convincing data and consensus of opinion regarding sunburn management, the most effective and practical approach to acute sunburn is symptomatic treatment of UV light-induced symptoms, including erythema, pain and pruritus.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1995

A community survey of sun exposure, sunburn and sun protection.

AIM: To describe outdoor activities, sun protection behaviours and the experience of sunburn in a sample of New Zealanders during summer weekends of 1994. METHODS: 1243 respondents to a telephone survey provided information regarding their outdoor activities for the 5 hour period around midday of the previous Saturday and Sunday. The sample was drawn from those aged 15 to 65 years in the five centres of Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Respondents provided information on sun exposure, sunburn, sun protection and beliefs about tanning, as well as background demographic information, skin type and previous experience of sunburn. RESULTS: 12% of the sample (or 17% of all those outdoors) reported being sunburned on the preceding weekend, and those sunburned tended to be men, and to be under age 35 years. The face, neck and limbs were the areas most frequently reported as burned. Sporting activities and beach or water activities were associated with the highest number of episodes of burning. Overall 38% of those outside reported wearing a hat and 32% reported the use of a sunscreen. Positive attitudes to tanning were quite common and probably present the main target for change in the community. CONCLUSION: On any sunny weekend in summer about three-quarters of adult New Zealanders will be out in the sun for relatively long periods of time, and many will get sunburned. The reduction of such harmful sun exposures remains an important public health goal.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

[Changes in antioxidative system and cell ultrastructure in the fruit peels of apple during sunburn development].

Fruits from 6-year-old apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh cv. Fuji) were used as materials to test the changes of antioxidative system and cell ultrastructure of fruit peels during sunburn development. Fruit sunburn appeared in mid July, 2002. The process of apple fruit sunburn was divided into three phases (0 degrees : control): 1 degrees : bleaching, 2 degrees : brownness, and 3 degrees : necrosis. Fuji apple fruits in different sunburn state were picked. Phenolic compounds, membrane protective enzymes (SOD, POD, PPO, CAT), cell membrane lipid peroxidation and cell ultrastructure in fruit peel were studied. The result showed that the degree of cell membrane lipid peroxidation enhanced along with development of sunburn. The activity of membrane protective enzymes also increased remarkably. However, the cell structure kept its integrity, except some organelles which partly disassembled, and cytoplasm and vacuoles became enriched with electron-dense substances while fruit peels became pale. As peel became brown, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin and myricetin accumulated, and cells of outer layers of the epidermis collapsed correspondingly, cell wall became thicker. It is suggested that changes in both cell ultrastructure and antioxidative system confirm that physiological state of fruit peels becomes disordered during sunburn development.

Antioxidants↗

PubMed1992

Melanoma prevention: behavioral and nonbehavioral factors in sunburn among an Australian urban population.

BACKGROUND: To determine the independent contribution of behavioral factors to the occurrence of sunburn, sun protection behavior was assessed over 13 successive summer weekends in a total of 1,655 adults in Melbourne, Australia. METHODS: Telephone survey respondents provided detailed accounts of activities engaged in, time spent outside, and hat, clothing, and sunscreen coverage in the 4 hr around the solar midday on both weekend days, as well as skin type, sociodemographic descriptors, and degree of sunburn experienced. Independent measures of atmospheric temperature and ambient ultraviolet radiation (UVR) were added to individual records. RESULTS: The (mostly recreational) weekend sunburn in this urban sample was strongly associated with UVR, as expected. Temperature at 3 PM, sensitive skin type, youthfulness, and being male were also independently associated with sunburn. After all other predictors were controlled for, the body exposure index (which took into account time outside and hat, clothing, and sunscreen coverage) made a strong independent contribution to the explanation of sunburn (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that behavior change strategies to prevent malignant melanoma of the skin are warranted.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

A randomized, controlled study of the safety and efficacy of topical corticosteroid treatments of sunburn in healthy volunteers.

Topical glucocorticosteroids are frequently used for the treatment of sunburn despite the scarcity of randomized, double-blind controlled trials to support this indication. This randomized, intra-individually controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of two topical glucocorticosteroids, 0.1% methylprednisolone aceponate milk (MPA) and 0.1% hydrocortisone 17-butyrate emulsion (HCB), for treatment of sunburn in 24 healthy volunteers of skin type III. After irradiation of the skin by simulated sunlight, treatments were blinded and randomly allocated to 36 cm2 test areas on both sides of the spine. Volunteers were treated twice daily for 7 days and assessed daily with 1-day follow-up. The untreated area was not blinded. Primary efficacy measures were sum score and sunburn reaction based on erythema, oedema, burning and itching. Secondary efficacy measures were physician's global assessment, individual signs/symptoms, colorimetry, dermatological improvement, and time to healing. Intra-individual comparisons were made. Differences in sum score were apparent on days 3-4 and significant on days 4-5 for corticosteroids compared with nontreatment. Treated areas had significantly lower sunburn reaction than untreated areas (P = 0.1% and P = 0.5% for MPA and HCB, respectively). Differences between treatments were not significant. Secondary efficacy measures were in line with these findings. None of the three adverse events reported were considered to be related to treatment. We conclude that MPA and HCB are safe and effective in the treatment of sunburn.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2003

The influence of painful sunburns and lifetime sun exposure on the risk of actinic keratoses, seborrheic warts, melanocytic nevi, atypical nevi, and skin cancer.

Painful sunburns are implicated in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation is known as the most important risk factor for the development of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of painful sunburns and lifetime sun exposure on the development of actinic keratoses and seborrheic warts in relation to the development of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, and on the development of melanocytic nevi and atypical nevi in relation to the development of malignant melanoma. We made use of a cohort of 966 individuals who participated in a case-control study to investigate environmental and genetic risk factors for skin cancer. Exposure measurements for sunlight were collected and actinic keratoses, seborrheic warts, melanocytic nevi, and atypical nevi were counted. Relative risks were estimated using exposure odds ratios from cross-tabulation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders. The recall of painful sunburns before the age of 20 y was associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, nodular basal cell carcinoma, and multifocal superficial basal cell carcinoma as well as actinic keratoses. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals adjusted for age, sex, and skin type were 1.5 (0.97; 2.3); 1.6 (1.1; 2.2); 2.6 (1.7; 3.8); and 1.9 (1.4; 2.6) for the three types of nonmelanoma skin cancer and actinic keratoses, respectively. Painful sunburns before the age of 20 y were also associated with an increased risk of malignant melanoma and the development of its precursors, melanocytic nevi and atypical nevi. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals adjusted for age, sex, and skin type were 1.4 (0.86; 2.1); 1.5 (1.1; 2.0); and 1.4 (0.88; 2.3) for malignant melanoma and the two types of precursors, respectively. Lifetime sun exposure was predominantly associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (p-value for trend=0.03) and actinic keratoses (p-value for trend <0.0001) and to a lesser degree with the two types of basal cell carcinoma. By contrast, lifetime sun exposure appeared to be associated with a lower risk of malignant melanoma, despite the fact that lifetime sun exposure did not diminish the number of melanocytic nevi or atypical nevi. Neither painful sunburns nor lifetime sun exposure were associated with an increased risk of seborrheic warts.

Adult↗

PubMed1990

Malignant melanoma in England: risks associated with naevi, freckles, social class, hair colour, and sunburn.

In a case-control study in the Midlands of England, 195 subjects with superficial spreading or nodular melanoma were compared to age- and sex-matched controls chosen from all inpatients or outpatients in hospitals serving the defined source population. Significant increases in melanoma risk, after adjustment for other factors, were seen in association with total naevi on the arms (odds ratio (OR), for 15+ naevi compared to none = 3.8), intense freckling as an adult (OR = 6.2), and as a child (OR = 6.0), and higher social class (OR = 2.4). Positive single factor associations were also seen with light or red hair colour, tendency to sunburn easily, and a history of sunburn at ages 8-12, although these were not significant when adjusted for the other factors. No significant effect was seen with naevi greater than 6 mm, or with raised naevi, when adjusted for total number of naevi. Total arm naevi and density of freckling had independent effects, consistent with a multiplicative effect, the OR in those with 10+ naevi and heavy freckling being 20.8. The risk associated with red hair was independent of naevi, but associated with freckling. The strongest association with sunburn history was seen with a history of sunburn in childhood, with sunburn at later times, having smaller effects, or none. These results shows that freckling and social class as well as naevi are strong and independent risk indicators for melanoma. These associations were generally consistent by type of melanoma, sex, age, and extent of regular exposure of the body site affected, although the social class gradient was observed neither for nodular melanoma nor for melanomas occurring on the most exposed body sites.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Sunburn and tanning in a British population.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of sunburn and tanning, and associated attitudes were investigated in a national sample of adults in Great Britain. METHODS: A randomly selected cross-sectional sample of 2025 adults aged 16 or over living in England, Scotland and Wales were interviewed in October 1993 in the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Omnibus Survey. RESULTS: The response rate was 77 per cent. Thirty-seven per cent reported at least one episode of sunburn in the past 12 months, the highest frequencies being found in young age groups, in those with skin that tans poorly (p < 0.001), and in those who specifically tried to tan in this period (p < 0.001). Sunbathing was the most frequent activity associated with most severe episodes of sunburn, and occurred most frequently at the beginning of the summer, 46 per cent of episodes occurring abroad. Thirty-three per cent had tried to tan in the past 12 months, the proportion being highest in younger age groups and women (p < 0.001). Among those with severe sunburn more men (34 per cent) expected to burn when trying to tan than women (17 per cent). CONCLUSIONS: The results provide background information with which to develop and evaluate primary prevention initiatives for skin cancer. These should take into account the strong association between sunburn and the desire to tan, particularly in young adults and men.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2007

Multiple large solar lentigos on the upper back as clinical markers of past severe sunburn: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple solar lentigos commonly seen on the upper back and shoulders of adults are classically considered as a sign of photodamage, although epidemiological studies are scarce. AIM: To assess whether these lesions are clinical markers of past severe sunburn. METHODS: A case-control study in two outpatient dermatology clinics in French university hospitals. Past episodes of moderate and severe sunburn were compared between 145 adult patients with multiple solar lentigos on the upper back and 145 matched controls. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders, recalled episodes of sunburn during childhood, adolescence and adulthood were independently associated with the presence of multiple solar lentigos (adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals: 2.3 (1.1-5.2) and 28.1 (10.4-75.6) for moderate and severe sunburn, respectively). CONCLUSION: Multiple solar lentigos on the upper back and shoulders of adults are potential clinical markers of past severe sunburn which may thus be used to identify a population at higher risk of developing cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

[Association between sunburn in children and ultraviolet radiation and ozone layer, during six summers (1996-2001) in Santiago, Chile (33,5 degrees S)].

BACKGROUND: During the recent 10 years the ozone layer has decreased while ultraviolet radiation has increased in Santiago, Chile. AIM: To determine whether the number of sunburns in children correlate with ultraviolet radiation in Santiago. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During six Austral Summers (1996-2001) children below 15 years old, consulting for sunburn, were evaluated at the "Corporation for the Aid of Burned Children" (COANIQUEM) in Santiago (33.5 degrees S). The number of children with sunburns during each Summer was compared with the corresponding UV-B radiation and the ozone thickness, to establish a probable relation between a geophysical change and its consequences in skin health. The ozone layer values were obtained from the NASA WEB-page and the ultraviolet radiation was measured with a four-channel medium resolution radiometer. RESULTS: In each Summer there was a predominance of sunburns among boys and among ages between 6 and 10 years. During the 96-97 Austral Summer, the highest number of children with sunburns (63) was diagnosed. That Summer also had the highest mean UV-305 nm radiation with an important amount of days with ozone < or = 260 Dobson Units. Only during that Summer an inverse correlation between ozone and UV-305 nm radiation was detected. At the same time the maximal values of Erythemal Dose Rate (33 muWatt cm2), UV Index (13) and Erythemal Daily Dose (7.500 Joule m2) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In Santiago, Summers with a higher number of days with low ozone protection seem to reappear every 3 years. Understanding the interaction of physical processes that control the ozone layer, may help to design better photo-protection programs for human health.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1988

Effect of hypoxia on sunburn cell formation and inflammation induced by ultraviolet radiation.

Oxygen intermediates are responsible for a number of ultraviolet (UV) radiation effects. To test the hypothesis that UV-induced formation of sunburn cells and skin edema (ear swelling) result from oxidative damage, we examined the effect of hypoxia tissue responses to UV in the mouse ear. Hypoxia resulting from vascular occlusion by ear clamping, either before or after UVB exposure, decreased formation of sunburn cells. Ear clamping alone caused significant ear swelling, which was enhanced when combined with UVB exposure. Using topical 8-methoxypsoralen + UVA (PUVA), increased sunburn cells were observed when ears were clamped for 10 min prior to UVA exposure, but not following exposure. Ear swelling caused by PUVA was also enhanced when ears were clamped during exposure. These results suggest that induction of sunburn cells by UVB is dependent on oxygen, and that UVB and PUVA induce sunburn cell formation by distinct mechanisms.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Sunburn associated with increased number of nevi in darker as well as lighter skinned adolescents of northern European descent.

The associations of sun exposure, sunburn, skin color, and other constitutional characteristics with the density of nevi (2 mm or more in diameter) were assessed in a study of 410 secondary school children ages 14-15 years in Tasmania, Australia. Skin color was estimated by using a chromameter that measures across the visible light spectrum (400-700 nm). Skin color and lifetime history of sunburn were significant predictors of nevus density on the arms and legs of girls and boys and on the shoulders and backs of boys. The nevus density ratios between the highest and lowest exposure groups were 2.85 for the arms and legs of boys (P < 0.01), 2.19 for the arms and legs of girls (P < 0.01), and 1.72 (P = 0.03) for the shoulders and backs of boys. The increase in nevus density appeared to occur at lower levels of lifetime sunburn in children with light or medium skin than it did in children with darker skin. Darker-skinned children with a history of many sunburns ( > or = 11 lifetime sunburns) had a similar number of nevi compared with their lighter-skinned peers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Topical tocopherol acetate reduces post-UVB, sunburn-associated erythema, edema, and skin sensitivity in hairless mice.

Exposure of the skin of the back of skh-1 hairless mice to UVB (310 nm peak) irradiation at doses of 0.115-0.23 J/cm2 results after 24-48 h in an erythema which can be quantified using an erythema meter, providing a useful model of sunburn. Application of pure d-alpha-tocopherol acetate, a thick oil, to the skin immediately following the exposure to UVB significantly reduces the increase in erythema index, by 40-55%. At the lower dose (0.115 J/cm2), skin thickness (associated with edematous swelling of the sunburned skin) was measured by a novel non-invasive technique not previously reported for this purpose--magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In two experiments the UVB-induced increase in skin thickness was significantly reduced at 24 hr by 29 and 54%, and at 48 hr by 26 and 61%. After 8 days the untreated irradiated mouse skin still showed a significant increase in thickness (24%) compared to the untreated unirradiated control, while the treated irradiated control was not significantly thicker than the unexposed control. Skin sensitivity was tested using a modification of the technique of esthesiometry, by observing rapid avoidance responses of the mouse to a pressure of 0.96 g/cm2 exerted by applying to the skin the tip of a nylon esthesiometer fiber extended to 60 mm in length. The untreated irradiated mice were more sensitive (p less than 0.07, Wilcoxon test) than the treated irradiated mice, and also significantly different from the untreated unirradiated control mice (p less than 0.04, Wilcoxon test), but the treated irradiated mice were not significantly differently sensitive when compared to the unirradiated controls (p less than 0.32). Taken together these data indicate that the erythema, edema, and skin sensitivity commonly associated with UVB-induced sunburn are significantly reduced by topical application of tocopherol acetate even after the exposure has occurred. This observation suggests that treatment of sunburn may be possible even after the irradiation has stopped, by a derivative of d-alpha-tocopherol which is stable to autooxidation.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

"Sunburn" freckles, café-au-lait macules, and other pigmented lesions of schoolchildren: the Vancouver Mole Study.

BACKGROUND: Relatively few studies have evaluated the prevalence of pigmented lesions in children. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the prevalence and constitutional correlates of "sunburn" freckles, café-au-lait macules, congenital nevi, and several other pigmented lesions. METHODS: Six specially trained nurses examined 1592 Vancouver schoolchildren, 6 to 18 years old, under uniform lighting conditions and counted all pigmented lesions except those on the genitals, buttocks, and breasts in girls. RESULTS: In the 1146 white children of European origin, 378 Asian children, and 68 Indo-Pakistani children, the prevalence of one or more café-au-lait macules was essentially equivalent (28%). The prevalence of Becker's nevus, nevus spilus, and congenital nevi were also similar among white and Asian children. White children of European origin had a higher prevalence of sunburn freckles than the other ethnic groups. The prevalence among children of European descent was higher in subjects with light skin color, a propensity to burn rather than tan in the sun, a history of severe or frequent sunburn, freckling, and a high count of acquired melanocytic nevi. CONCLUSIONS: For most pigmented lesions prevalence rates were similar in the three ethnic groups examined. The results also suggest that the presence of large sunburn freckles in children of European descent correlates strongly with phenotypic risk factors that have been shown to be predictive of increased melanoma risk in adulthood. Parents should be counseled to take precautions with these children early in life in regard to overexposure to sunlight.

Adolescent↗