Characterization of tanning behavior assessed via online survey: Attitudes, habits, and preventive measures with focus on sunscreen use

Evaluation of social knowledge on photoprotection and its relationship with education and age in a Polish seaside town during summer holidays

OBJECTIVE

This survey aimed to evaluate knowledge of photoprotection among individuals from a random group in a resort town in Poland, Kołobrzeg, and explore the correlation between their knowledge and demographics like age, gender, education, and residence.

METHODS

An anonymous survey was conducted among a diverse group. This population comprised individuals from various backgrounds: health spa patients undergoing treatments, therapies and medical appointments, guests visiting the resort for leisure, passersby, and staff working at the spa and recreational facilities. The survey was designed by authors, encompassed 16 questions about knowledge on photoprotection, sunscreen use and related topics, and gathered demographic data. Responses from 142 individuals were statistically analyzed using PQStat Software.

RESULTS

Only 7.7% use sunscreen all year-round. The majority apply sun protection factor (SPF) creams on sunny days or with prolonged sun exposure. Over half of the respondents (53.5%) are aware when to apply sunscreen but 43% reapply it less than every 4 h. 25.4% do not reapply at all. 38.7% think protection provided by higher SPF means longer sun exposure time. Over 50% believe SPF 30 offers double the protection of SPF 15. Almost half (46.8%) use extra sun protection, like sunglasses or hats. Significant correlations exist between education/age and certain survey responses.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings emphasize the urgency to improve photoprotection knowledge in the Polish population, particularly regarding the year-round harmful solar effects and the correct use of sun protection products.

What do Patients Want to See on Social Media? Evidence From a Two-Year Experiment

INTRODUCTION

Dermatological information on social media is dominated by misleading and potentially harmful content from nonexperts. Literature suggests that, to address this issue, dermatologists should develop an online presence. However, the successful presence of dermatologists on social media has been criticized for focusing on cosmetic dermatology and not representing the broad spectrum of the specialty.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to systematically analyze which dermatological topics interest the public most, and to find out whether it is feasible for a dermatologist to become influential on social media while presenting all dermatological topics equally.

METHODS

The study was performed on an educational dermatology YouTube channel. The 101 videos published in a two-year period were divided into cosmetic (51 videos) and medical dermatology (50 videos). Student's t-test was conducted to determine whether there were significant differences in views. Medical dermatology videos were then classified into three categories: Acne, facial dermatoses (excluding acne) and other dermatological diseases. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare these three categories and cosmetic dermatology.

RESULTS

When comparing cosmetic and medical dermatology, no significant differences were found. When comparing the four categories, cosmetic dermatology and acne were found to generate significantly more views that other dermatological diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

The public seems to be particularly interested in cosmetic dermatology and acne. This might make it challenging to become successful on social media while presenting a balanced portrayal of dermatology. However, focusing on popular topics can provide a real chance to be influential and protect vulnerable people from misinformation.

Behaviors and Knowledge Related to Intentional Outdoor Tanning Among Adults in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Intentional outdoor tanning is the process through which people expose their skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation to darken their skin color toward brown or bronze. UV radiation is a well-known modifiable risk factor for photoaging, photoallergic reactions, and phototoxicity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the behaviors and knowledge of intentional outdoor tanning among adults in the western region of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1023 adults from the general population who met the eligibility criteria. Data were collected in October and November 2022 using an electronic questionnaire to assess the sociodemographic data, behaviors, and knowledge of the participants related to intentional outdoor tanning.

RESULTS

Overall, 24.5% of the participants intentionally tanned outdoors, the majority of which (203, 80.9%) were exposed to the sun for more than 20 minutes. The participants who intentionally tan outdoors were significantly younger than those who do not (32 ± 10.7 vs. 38.4 ± 13.9, respectively, P <0.001). Most of the participants had good knowledge of the disadvantages of sun exposure on the skin (61.3%). Additionally, good knowledge was significantly more prevalent in women (70.3%) than men (48.6%) (P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Individuals who intentionally tan outdoors engage in other behaviors or beliefs that increase exposure to UV rays. This points to the need for comprehensive interventions such as community-counseling campaigns to address these new trends and their relationship with photoaging and skin cancer.

Benefits, drawbacks, and challenges of social media use in dermatology: A systematic review

The presence of dermatological information on social media has grown exponentially over the last two decades. Consequently, the recent literature on this topic is abundant. Many authors have highlighted that social media constitutes a unique opportunity for patient education. Additionally, numerous other benefits of these platforms have been reported. However, other authors have focused on the potential risks that these networks involve. The main concerns are patient confidentiality, legal considerations and ethical issues. Therefore, we stand at a crossroads where the many advantages of social media use in dermatology seem to be underestimated due to the presence of potential drawbacks. At this point, we propose that a systematic review of the positive and negative aspects of using social media in dermatology is necessary. We carried out a comprehensive systematic review dating from inception to July 2021. Finally, 161 articles were included. Fifteen benefits, 11 drawbacks and 10 challenges of social media use in dermatology were identified and discussed. Suggested strategies to address the identified drawbacks were provided. Overall, while there are risks to using social media, they are outnumbered by their benefits. Therefore, dermatologists should embrace this opportunity to educate patients and aim to create rigorous and engaging content.

Etiologies of Melanoma Development and Prevention Measures: A Review of the Current Evidence

Simple Summary

Melanoma constitutes a major public health risk, with the rates of diagnosis increasing on a yearly basis. Monitoring for risk factors and preventing dangerous behaviors that increase melanoma risk, such as tanning, are important measures for melanoma prevention. Additionally, assessing the effectiveness of various methods to prevent sun exposure and sunburns—which can lead to melanoma—is important to help identify ways to reduce the development of melanoma. We summarize the recent evidence regarding the heritable and behavioral risks underlying melanoma, as well as the current methods used to reduce the risk of developing melanoma and to improve the diagnosis of this disease.

Abstract

(1) Melanoma is the most aggressive dermatologic malignancy, with an estimated 106,110 new cases to be diagnosed in 2021. The annual incidence rates continue to climb, which underscores the critical importance of improving the methods to prevent this disease. The interventions to assist with melanoma prevention vary and typically include measures such as UV avoidance and the use of protective clothing, sunscreen, and other chemopreventive agents. However, the evidence is mixed surrounding the use of these and other interventions. This review discusses the heritable etiologies underlying melanoma development before delving into the data surrounding the preventive methods highlighted above. (2) A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify the clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses pertinent to melanoma prevention and incidence. Online resources were queried to identify epidemiologic and clinical trial information. (3) Evidence exists to support population-wide screening programs, the proper use of sunscreen, and community-targeted measures in the prevention of melanoma. Clinical evidence for the majority of the proposed preventive chemotherapeutics is presently minimal but continues to evolve. (4) Further study of these chemotherapeutics, as well as improvement of techniques in artificial intelligence and imaging techniques for melanoma screening, is warranted for continued improvement of melanoma prevention.

Analysis of Internet searches using Google Trends to measure interest in sun protection and skin cancer in selected South-East Asian populations

BACKGROUND

Analysis of Internet search trends has been performed to evaluate interest in sun protection, artificial tanning, and skin cancers among the public, particularly in Western countries. This observational study aimed to investigate the relative popularity of search terms relating to sun protection, sunburn, skin cancers, and tanning used in Google Trends® in three South-East Asian countries (Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia).

METHODS

The relevant search terms were queried using the Google Trends® in each location and worldwide. The search volume indices were compared between locations and over a time period from January 1, 2004, to January 31, 2019. Correlations between "sunblock" and "sunburn" as well as "sunblock" and search terms relating to skin cancers ("skin cancer," "melanoma," "basal cell carcinoma," and "squamous cell carcinoma") were evaluated.

RESULTS

The favored search term relating to sun protection in this region was "sunblock" despite the term itself being a misnomer. The relative popularity of searches for "sunblock" also showed an increase over time and was generally higher compared with interest in sunburn, skin cancers, and artificial tanning practices. Positive correlations were noted between "sunblock" and "sunburn" in Malaysia and "sunblock" and "melanoma" in Singapore.

CONCLUSION

Insights into search trends may assist public health promotion to raise awareness regarding sun protection and skin cancers in the region by targeting commonly used terms for each geographical location.