Sunscreen use while driving - 15/05/13
Reprint requests: Evan C. Jones, MD, MPH, Department of Dermatology, Health Sciences Center, Level 16, Room 060, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8165.Abstract |
Background |
Data regarding patient perceptions and behaviors about sun-protection measures while driving are lacking.
Objectives |
This study evaluates patients’ awareness of the importance of sun protection while in an automobile, and assesses perceptions about and compliance with sun protection. A secondary objective was to detect any significant laterality in melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Methods |
We performed a retrospective survey of patients seen at a Mohs micrographic surgery clinic.
Results |
Significantly fewer patients reported wearing sunscreen while in an automobile when compared with general daily sunscreen use (52% vs 27%, P < .05). Most respondents did not think they needed to use sunscreen while driving, especially if the windows were closed. Those who believed they were protected from sun damage while in a car were much less likely to use sunscreen (12% vs 46%, P < .05). There was a significant left-sided predominance of nonmelanoma skin cancers, except in patients who used automobiles with tinted windows.
Limitations |
This retrospective survey study design is not as ideal as a randomized controlled trial. Additional limitations of this study include small sample size, selection bias, and recall bias.
Conclusion |
Our results reveal poor patient awareness of and compliance with sun-protection measures while in an automobile. Skin cancer prevention efforts should be modified to specifically address automobile-related sun exposure.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : driving, laterality, melanoma, skin cancer, sun protection, sunscreen, ultraviolet
Abbreviations used : MM, NMSC, UV, UVR
Plan
| Funding sources: None. |
|
| Conflicts of interest: None declared. |
Vol 68 - N° 6
P. 952-956 - juin 2013 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Photoprotective habits of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus
- Shirley Y. Yang, Ira Bernstein, Danielle Q. Lin, Benjamin F. Chong
- Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Estimated incidence of disease, nodal metastasis, and deaths from disease in the United States, 2012
- Pritesh S. Karia, Jiali Han, Chrysalyne D. Schmults
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?