Abstract
Introduction and Objectives:
Strict photoprotection is essential for the management of photodermatoses. However, we have not found studies on photoprotection (topical and/or oral) prescribed in clinical practice. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of topical and oral photoprotection recommended for photodermatoses, including the prescription of a topical broad-spectrum sunscreen containing ectoin (BSSE).
Materials and Methods:
An anonymous survey carried out (as a pretest) among dermatologists at an online photoprotection event held on May 20, 2023, in Spain.
Results:
The survey was answered by 90 dermatologists (45.4% [90/198] of the attendees). Of these, 67.8% (61/90) were women, and 83.3% (75/90) worked in public hospitals; 98.9% (89/90) reported always or almost always prescribing sunscreens in cases of photodermatoses. The most important characteristics of sunscreens were: protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) (95.6%) (86/90), against visible light (76.7%) (69/90), and the cosmetic acceptability of the product (67.8%) (61/90); 90% (81/90) reported regularly prescribing a BSSE for photodermatosis, and 60.7% (54/90) claimed that this product was effective or highly effective in reducing symptoms. Oral photoprotection was recommended by 95.5% (85/89) of respondents, and 97.7% (86/88; 2 nonresponders) reported observing a decrease in symptomatology when oral photoprotection was prescribed together with sunscreens.
Limitations:
Online survey, potential inclusion bias.
Conclusions:
The majority of dermatologists surveyed prescribed sunscreens with high protection against UVA and visible light for photodermatoses, recommended oral photoprotection with Polypodium leucotomos and reported observing a decrease in symptomatology after recommending topical plus oral photoprotection.
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