Team:Tartu TUIT/Human Practices/Silver

Interview with dermatologist

It is rare when sunscreen usage causes allergies. However, sometimes contact dermatitis can be caused by such sunscreen compounds as PABA and oxybenzone. Sun can excite several dermatoses, including discoid lupus and rosacea. That is why the dermatologist strongly recommends her patients to use sunscreens with the highest sun protection factor and avoid sun’s most active hours. On the other hand, spending a moderate amount of time in the sun is beneficial: UV has a positive effect on winter psoriasis, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis. The dermatologist says, that the younger generation is well aware of the need to use sunscreen, while older people (main patients in Oncology Clinic) have practically not used sunscreen for most of their life.

Karin Hussar
Dr. Karin Hussar has graduated from the faculty of medicine of the University of Tartu and has been working in th University of Tartu’s Hematology-Oncology Clinic as dermatovenereologist since 2007. She is a member of several professional associations. In her profession Dr. Hussar specializes in skin cancer diagnostics and treatment.
  • Do You suggest SPF products to Your patients? How do You choose the SPF intensity?
    I suggest using sunscreens with the highest SPF. Also, an avoiding midday sun as UV radiation is most active during that time of the day.
  • Have You experienced situations, when usage of sunscreens causes allergy? What allergies cause it?
    It is rare when sunscreen usage causes allergies. I have not experienced it. However, sometimes contact dermatitis can be caused by such sunscreen compounds as PABA and oxybenzone.
  • How do people use sunscreens in reality?
    The dermatologist says, that younger generation is well aware of the need to use sunscreen, while older people (main patients in Oncology Clinic) have practically not used sunscreen for most of their life.
  • What are the consequences of not using sunscreens?
    Skin aging and skin cancer caused by the UV light.
  • What are the most widespread skin diseases among Estonian patients.
    Sun can excite several dermatoses, including discoid lupus and rosacea.
  • At what diseases spending time under the Sun is recommended?
    Spending the moderate amount of time in the sun is beneficial: UV has a positive effect on winter psoriasis, atopic and seborrheic dermatitis.
  • What do You think about our project idea, actuality and benefits?
    Very interesting and actual topic. Good luck to you!
  • Can You suggests, what we could add to our sunscreen formula in order to increase its functionality?
    Definitely skin moisturizing and caring components.

Survey

We carried out a survey about an experience of sunscreen usage and awareness of modern sunscreens. People from 50 different countries, including USA, Australia, Japan, India, Russia, United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany have filled the questionnaire. The total number of participants was 319.

While the majority of respondents wear sunscreen with moderate UV protection (30 SPF) during summertime, or when sunbathing. Only a few use every day.

The results of the survey indicate less than 20% of respondents have experienced side effects of the sunscreen such as itching, drying of skin, and acne.

Most support the use of sunscreen, but half thinks sunscreens are harmful to the environment. Two-thirds support the idea of the development of eco-friendly sunscreen.

In conclusion, we are excited that some many respondents support our idea and we would like to thank all of them!

  • Are you against using sunscreen?
  • Do you know that many sunscreens are harmful to the environment?
  • Do you use sunscreen?
  • Have you noticed any harmful effects of sunscreen on your health?
  • How many times a day?
  • What harmful effects?
  • What spf factor do you use?
  • Are you interested in the production of eco—friendly sunscreen?
  • Do you support usage of sunscreen?
  • Do you think that sunscreen is harmful to the environment?
  • Do you use sunscreen?
  • Have you ever had a sunburn?
  • Have you ever noticed any side effects of sunscreen usage?
  • How often do you use sunscreen?
  • What side effects have you faced?
  • Which spf factor do you use?

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