Long-lasting pigmentation more than its intensity is a reliable indicator of skin sun resistance.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The currently adopted method for predicting sun sensitivity is Fitzpatrick's classification which however is based on self-reported burning tendency and tanning ability.

OBJECTIVE:

Determination of the individual UV susceptibility based on non-subjective parameters.

METHOD:

Minimal erythema dose (MED), intensity and duration of pigmentation on days 5, 9 and 16 following 1 MED and the levels of the melanin marker pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA) were analysed in non-red-haired subjects (50, aged 20-46 years).

RESULTS:

Phenotype groups or phototypes showed a good correlation with PTCA yields and the persistence of pigmentation on day 16, but not with MED values. MED values did not show a significant correlation with PTCA yields. On the other hand, high values on day 16 were exhibited only by subjects having PTCA values higher than 200 ng/mg.

CONCLUSIONS:

Measurement persistence of pigmentation on day 16 represents a non-invasive and easy-to-perform method to evaluate photoprotection in those individuals escaping straightforward classification based on phenotype or anamnesis.

• Authors: Enrico M Procaccini, Alessandra Napolitano, Lucia Panzella, Emilia Prizio, Giuseppe Monfrecola
• Journal: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) (Dermatology) Vol. 215 Issue 3 Pg. 173-9 ( 2007) ISSN: 1421-9832 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 17823511 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Melanins

Topics

• Adult
• Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
• Erythema (etiology)
• Female
• Hair (chemistry)
• Humans
• Male
• Melanins (analysis)
• Middle Aged
• Radiation Tolerance (physiology)
• Skin (radiation effects)
• Skin Pigmentation (physiology, radiation effects)
• Spectrophotometry
• Time Factors
• Ultraviolet Rays (adverse effects)