PubMed Health⌕ Search

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Sunbathing”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Development and evaluation of an information booklet for adult survivors of cancer in childhood. The United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group Late Effects Group.

AIMS: To determine the need for information among survivors of childhood cancer, to assess the acceptability of an information booklet, and to investigate the effectiveness of the booklet in increasing knowledge and influencing health related behaviours. SUBJECTS: Fifty survivors of childhood cancer (age range 14-32 years) who were consecutive attendees at a long term follow up clinic. METHODS: The booklet was developed for young people aged 14 years and above by the United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group Late Effects Group. Included is information about treatment of cancer, general advice about a healthy lifestyle, the rationale for long term follow up, and information about employment and life insurance problems. Survivors were interviewed at the follow up clinic, offered the booklet, and contacted approximately one week later for a telephone interview. The clinic interview assessed survivor's understanding of their illness and treatment and its impact on their lives, and their preferences for further information. The telephone interview determined survivors' general reaction to the booklet, whether it increased knowledge and influenced health related behaviours. RESULTS: All those interviewed accepted the written information and agreed to a follow up interview. Survivors were enthusiastic about being given more information. Over three quarters learned new information from the booklet. There were no indications that the information was associated with anxiety for any demographic or clinical subgroups. After reading the booklet there was an increased awareness of the risk from sunbathing (p < 0.05), and greater appreciation of the importance of follow up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that written information is likely to be an acceptable and effective supplement to discussions with medical professionals and may readily be incorporated into long term follow up clinics.

Adolescent↗

Arabian nights-1001 tales of how pharmaceutical companies cater to the material needs of doctors: case report.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how pharmaceutical companies cater to the material needs of doctors. DESIGN: Case report of memoirs. SETTING: Facilities that have nothing to do with medicine, somewhere in the Arabian peninsula. PATIENT POPULATION: Random sample of doctors. INTERVENTIONS: Promotion by the pharmaceutical industry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Short term outcomes were travel, pleasure, amusement, and gifts, and long term outcomes were the market share of specific companies. RESULTS: Short term outcomes were heterogeneous, underlying the diversity of the means employed by the pharmaceutical industry to subvert, divert, and influence medical practice. Overall, 200 doctors were dressed in white gowns, a doctor in preventive medicine quoted Hippocrates in favour of smoking, a senior doctor became a poet, a doctor trying to understand the Methods section of a poster paper wondered whether he should have been sunbathing at the beach instead, and two women doctors were kidnapped by Bedouin warriors. Long term outcomes on the sales of the company drugs are pending but are likely to be most favourable. CONCLUSIONS: Eat, drink, be merry, and boost prescriptions.

Drug Industry↗

Fair, and still a sun lover: risk of gallstone formation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the hypothesis that sunlight exposure leads to the development of gallstones in people with a sun sensitive skin. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a case-control study among 206 white patients referred for an ultrasound examination of the gallbladder. Sunlight exposure and skin sensitivity were retrospectively assessed by a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was taken before the outcome of the ultrasound examination was known, so that the patients and the interviewers were blind to the outcome. The main outcome measure was gallstones in the gallbladder detected by ultrasound. MAIN RESULTS: 87 patients had gallstones (cases), 119 had none (controls). In subjects with a skin sensitive for sun (Fitzpatrick skin type I) a positive attitude to sunbathing was associated with a higher risk of gallstones than a negative attitude. In subjects with an insensitive skin (skin type IV) no association was found. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms a hypothesis which was based upon metabolic research. However it is too early to upgrade the first "F" in the traditional adage that gallstone patients are "fair, fat, female, fertile and forty". Since both epidemiological and pathobiological evidence is scarce, the role of sun and/or (ultraviolet) light exposure and skin sensitivity in the aetiology of gallstones should be confirmed by further research.

Adolescent↗

Incidence of cancer among commercial airline pilots.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the cancer pattern in a cohort of commercial pilots by follow up through the Icelandic Cancer Registry. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 458 pilots with emphasis on subcohort working for an airline operating on international routes. A computerised file of the cohort was record linked to the Cancer Registry by making use of personal identification numbers. Expected numbers of cancer cases were calculated on the basis of number of person-years and incidences of cancer at specific sites for men provided by the Cancer Registry. Numbers of separate analyses were made according to different exposure variables. RESULTS: The standardised incidence ratio (SIR) for all cancers was 0.97 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.62 to 1.46) in the total cohort and 1.16 (95% CI 0.70 to 1.81) among those operating on international routes. The SIR for malignant melanoma of the skin was 10.20, 95% CI 3.29 to 23.81 in the total cohort and 15.63, 95% CI 5.04 to 36.46 in the restricted cohort. Analyses according to number of block-hours and radiation dose showed that malignant melanomas were found in the subgroups with highest exposure estimates, the SIRs were 13.04 and 28.57 respectively. The SIR was 25.00 for malignant melanoma among those who had been flying over five time zones. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows a high occurrence of malignant melanoma among pilots. It is open to discussion what role exposure of cosmic radiation, numbers of block-hours flown, or lifestyle factors--such as possible excessive sunbathing--play in the aetiology of cancer among pilots. This calls for further and more powerful studies. The excess of malignant melanoma among those flying over five time zones suggests that the importance of disturbance of the circadian rhythm should be taken into consideration in future studies.

Aerospace Medicine↗

Why and when the treatment of acne fails. What to do.

The majority of acne patients show a good response to the proper acne treatment. However, a small percentage not exceeding 10-15% do not respond as satisfactorily as expected. The main reason for the treatment failure is the poor patient compliance. In order to improve the patient compliance the strategy for the treatment of acne has to be carefully planned and includes the following: discussion before treatment; give clear instructions; explain the rhythm of improvement; explain the role of cosmetics; explain the role of sunbathing; explain the expected side effects. It has to be emphasized that all acne cases can be adequately controlled if the relationship between doctor and patient has been built on trust and confidence, maximizing the patient compliance.

Acne Vulgaris↗

Unilesional mycosis fungoides: a study of seven cases.

BACKGROUND: Unilesional mycosis fungoides (MF) is a rare variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), characterized by a solitary lesion clinically and by histopathological features indistinguishable from those of MF, and typically having a benign course. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinicopathological features of a series of patients with unilesional MF. METHODS: The records of cases of unilesional MF identified during a 10-year period in two medical departments were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 7 patients: 6 males, 1 female; mean age at the time of diagnosis: 32 years; age range: 12-58 years; 3 were below the age of 18 years. The mean pretherapy follow-up period was 9 years (range: 2-20 years). In 5 patients, the eruption consisted of a characteristic patch or plaque of MF located on the trunk or upper extremity; in 2 it was atypical - in 1, a hypopigmented patch, and in 1, a plaque indistinguishable from MF-associated follicular mucinosis. Histopathologically all the lesions exhibited features characteristic of MF, with CD3+ lymphoid cells. In 6 cases (with available fresh frozen tissue) there was a predominance of CD3+ CD4+ cells; in 1 of 5 there was deletion of CD7, and in 3 of 5 there was an overexpression of IL-2 receptor. T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement was found in 1 of 4 cutaneous lesions tested; in 2 cases it was found in the blood but not in the skin. Treatment modalities included localized electron beam, excision, topical nitrogen mustard or topical steroids and sunbathing, resulting in all cases in a sustained complete clinical response. In 1 patient, however, there were 2 local recurrences and in yet another patient there was distant cutaneous spread 3.5 years after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Unilesional MF is a rare variant of CTCL, has heterogeneous clinical manifestations and can affect any age group, including children. The histopathological and immunophenotypical features are in general indistinguishable from those observed in multilesional MF. Although it is a unifocal event, there may occasionally be cutaneous spread with the appearance of noncontiguous lesions, even a long time after therapy. Whether all cases represent minimal-stage IA MF or whether some are actually T-cell pseudolymphoma remains to be clarified.

Adolescent↗

Acquired persistent atypical lentigines as a failure of 5-methoxypsoralen-containing sunscreens in the photochemoprotection from ultraviolet-radiation-induced damage.

Acquired persistent atypical lentigines are pigmentary lesions that are unusual both clinically and microscopically. They occur in young adults with photosensitive skin using 5-methoxypsoralen-containing sunscreens during sunbathing. Their biologic behavior is benign, but there are grounds for concern regarding the carcinogenic risk in these patients.

5-Methoxypsoralen↗

Mortality from skin melanoma in Italy and Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, 1970-1989.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Substantial upward trends for skin cancer mortality have been observed in most European countries in the last two decades. The distinction, however, between cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and non-melanomatous skin cancers on the basis of death certification is unreliable. METHODS: In order to assess the trends of CMM, analysis of the specific code for CMM (International Classification of Disease VIII and IX:172) was coupled with analysis of total skin cancer mortality rates, standardized on the 1981 Italian Census population, at all ages and in selected age groups (15-44, 45-64 and 65-84 years). The analyses were carried out for the whole of Italy and for Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG), a region in North-East Italy with a high proportion of fair-complexioned individuals, elevated frequency of sunbathing, and especially good diagnostic standards. RESULTS: In 1985-89 skin cancer mortality rates in men at all ages, as compared to 1970-74, were 33% higher in Italy and 46% higher in FVG. In women, there was a rise of 22% in Italy and 94% in FVG. More marked upward trends were observed in young and middle aged adults, especially among women in FVG (over 300% increase). In absolute terms, approximately 3000 more Italians died from skin cancers in 1985-89 as compared to 1970-74, about half of them prematurely (i.e., < 65 years). CMM was mentioned in death certifications for skin cancer increasingly often in all age groups, particularly in FVG. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of mortality trends from skin cancer is consistent with a substantial rise of CMM-related deaths. The sensitivity of death certification with respect to CMM diagnosis is also increasing, especially in FVG. A public health strategy with the aim of reducing intermittent intense exposure to ultraviolet light, especially in children, is urgent in Italy as CMM represents one of the few causes of premature death with unfavorable trends.

Adolescent↗

Sun protection as a family health project in families with adolescents.

This study examined sun protection in families with adolescents from an action-theoretical perspective. Interview data were collected from 20 families about their attitudes and behaviors around sunbathing and sun protection. The data support the understanding of project as joint goal-directed action over time as the basis on which these behaviors are organized in families. Families used the language of goal-directed action to discuss family sun protection. Differences between families with focused and diffuse sun-protection projects are identified. Sun protection in families as one part of an array of family goal-directed actions and projects has implications for health promotion.

Adolescent↗

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus associated with cinnarizine and thiethylperazine therapy.

We report the case of a woman who developed subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) after exposure to the sun while taking cinnarizine and thiethylperazine. The patient recalled that 10 years previously, a similar eruption had appeared after sunbathing, while she was taking only cinnarizine. SCLE development in this patient was probably drug related and there is some evidence that cinnarizine played an important pathogenic role.

Adult↗

Exploring the development of sun-tanning behavior: a grounded theory study of adolescents' decision-making experiences with becoming a sun tanner.

A grounded theory study was undertaken to describe how adolescents make decisions about sunbathing during the transition from childhood to adolescence and to propose an explanation for the relationships among factors affecting the adoption of sun tanning. In-depth interviews (n = 40) were conducted separately with adolescents (aged 12 to 16 years) and their parents. Constant comparative analysis of adolescents' accounts identified two methods that adolescents described as a means of getting a suntan: intentional sun tanning and incidental sun tanning. The process of adolescents' decision-making about getting a suntan can be understood by examining the following sequence: becoming motivated to get a tan, experimenting with sun tanning, and establishing self as an intentional tanner or incidental tanner. Implications for developing strategies to prevent the adoption of sun-tanning habits among adolescents are presented.

Adolescent↗

Immunologic studies of a case of myasthenia gravis associated with pemphigus vulgaris after thymomectomy.

A case of myasthenia gravis was associated with thymoma and pemphigus vulgaris. The bullous lesions developed after partial thymomectomy, cobalt (60Co) irradiation, and 3 days' extensive sunbathing, although a retrospective study of the patient's sera by quantitative indirect immunofluorescence method indicated that antiepithelial antibody already was positive before the clinical appearance of pemphigus vulgaris. Serial observation of the patient's clinical course and titrations of antiepithelial, antimuscle, and antithymus antibodies suggested a reverse relationship between the severity of myasthenia gravis and titers of antimuscle and anitithymus antibodies, and a parallel relationship between pemphigus vulgaris and antiepithelial antibody. Review of the literature suggests a close relationship between pemphigus vulgaris and myasthenia gravis and thymoma, particularly thymoma injured by medical procedures.

Adult↗

Changing attitudes to sun exposure.

An understanding of the historical context and the psychological rationale for sunbathing is a prerequisite to designing effective health education strategies. The apparent destruction of the ozone layer, with an increase in the incidence of skin cancers, has brought this issue to the fore.

Attitude to Health↗

Sunscreen protection for lip mucosa: a review and update.

It has been stated that the key to prevention of oral cancer is to avoid the "five Ss: smoking, spirits, spices, sepsis, and syphilis." There is certainly enough evidence to add another "S"--sunlight. Although there is a paucity of information in the dental literature on the use of sunscreens, the following dermatologic recommendation is noteworthy: "Persons with Skin Types I and II should never sunbathe and should adopt a program of daily application of effective sunscreens (SPF 15) as a habit and from an early age--in much the same manner as daily brushing of the teeth is adopted to prevent dental caries." The dentist should advise patients at high risk for squamous cell carcinoma and those with recurrent herpes labialis to use a sunscreen for the lips of at least SPF 15. The best sunscreen formulation at the present time is a combination of either PABA or an ester of PABA along with a benzophenone. A frequent combination seen on product labels is Padimate O and oxybenzone. Sunscreens should be used year-round on the lips with two applications 1 hour before sun exposure, and hourly reapplication while in the sun. If the convenience of a "lipstick" product is not important to the patient, then a skin product of the liquid or gel type should be used. If the appearance is not important, a white opaque cream containing titanium dioxide, talc, or zinc oxide may be used as a physical barrier. Women may use an opaque lipstick, but should first apply a chemical sunscreen of at least SPF 15.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗

Sun exposure and sun protection habits among high-school adolescents in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Adolescents constitute an important audience for photoprotection programs. Sun exposure and sun protection habits acquired during adolescence have a significant impact on skin cancer incidence. We administered a questionnaire to 724 students about ultraviolet radiation effects, opinions about tanning, total time of sun exposure per day, photoprotection and activities in the sun. About 90% were aware of the association between sun exposure and skin cancer, and mass media was the main source of information. However, the great majority believed that tanning improved their appearance, and that it was worth taking the risk. The most prevalent outdoor activity among boys was sports; girls preferred walks and sunbathing. Sun exposure was significantly longer in summer, when 90% of the students went to the beach. About 47% reported sunscreen use in summer and only 3% reported using sunscreen during winter. These results emphasize the need for the promotion of photoprotective habits in our population and the importance of engaging physicians and school teachers in developing campaigns directed at this issue to achieve effective, long-lasting results. Adolescents are aware of the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin but campaigns have not successfully changed their sun exposure habits.

Adolescent↗

UV-induced alterations in skin and lymphocytes during a one-week holiday in the Canary Islands in May.

The effect of solar exposure during a one-week sunbathing vacation in May at 29 degrees N latitude was investigated in 22 volunteers. The following end-points were measured before and after the holiday: skin reflectance at 507 nm, transmission of radiation from 289 nm to 448 nm through the epidermis, epidermal thickness, minimal erythema dose (MED), total white cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and lymphocyte subpopulation counts in blood, spontaneous DNA synthesis, DNA strand breaks and sister-chromatid exchange in lymphocytes, and the UVC tolerance of lymphocytes. There was a statistically significant decrease in skin reflectance (p < 0.001) and epidermal transmission (p < 0.01) after the holiday, reflecting increased pigmentation and epidermal thickening. There was a statistically significant increase in epidermal thickness (p < 0.001), MED (p < 0.05), spontaneous DNA synthesis (p < 0.01) and DNA strand breaks in lymphocytes (p < 0.02) after the holiday. The other end-points were not significantly changed. We report that changes in skin pigmentation and epidermal thickness occur after one week of UV exposure. It was also observed that a one-week UV exposure increased both spontaneous DNA repair and the amount of DNA strand breaks in the lymphocytes of the volunteers, while no changes in T-cell subsets were detected.

Adult↗

Malignant melanoma in Denmark. Occurrence and risk factors.

The age-standardized incidence rate of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in Denmark increased five- to six-fold between 1943 and 1982. The increased varied by sex and by site, being particularly pronounced for areas of the body normally covered by clothes. A steep increase in risk was revealed for successively younger birth cohorts. Lack of consistency between descriptive epidemiology and indicators for cumulative exposure to sunlight has led to the intermittent exposure hypothesis. Our population-based case-control study, including 474 incident cases of CMM and 926 controls, has further supported this hypothesis and demonstrated that sunbathing is associated with an increased risk of CMM, particularly during childhood and if it leads to sunburning. In addition, the risk of CMM is increased in persons with many pigmented naevi and/or a tendency to freckling. Our study does not support a relationship between CMM and hormonal exposure in women and no association was observed between dietary factors, alcohol intake, tobacco smoking, bathing habits or hair dye use and CMM risk.

Adult↗

Social predictors of sunscreen and self-tanning product use.

This study investigated social predictors of sunscreen and self-tanning product use among 164 undergraduates. Immediate family members' sunscreen use predicted participants' facial sunscreen use while sunbathing but not their sunscreen use on other areas of the body. In addition, familial support of a tanned appearance was inversely associated with self-tanning product use, whereas romantic partners' support of a tanned appearance was positively associated with this behavior. The results of this study suggest that it may be important to include socially significant others in interventions for reducing the risk of skin cancer in college students.

Adolescent↗