UV imaging reveals facial areas that are prone to skin cancer are disproportionately missed during sunscreen application.

ABSTRACT: Application of sunscreen is a widely used mechanism for protecting skin from the harmful effects of UV light. However, protection can only be achieved through effective application, and areas that are routinely missed are likely at increased risk of UV damage. Here we sought to determine if specific areas of the face are missed during routine sunscreen application, and whether provision of public health information is sufficient to improve coverage. To investigate this, 57 participants were imaged with a UV sensitive camera before and after sunscreen application: first visit; minimal pre-instruction, second visit; provided with a public health information statement. Images were scored using a custom automated image analysis process designed to identify areas of high UV reflectance, i.e. mi

SUBMITTER: Pratt H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5624581 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature