Sun protection advice for the South African population for the prevention and management of skin diseases

Abstract

Sun protection is critical for the prevention and management of skin cancer and other photosensitive dermatoses in South Africa's diverse population. This review expands on previously published sun protection advice for skin cancer prevention by providing tailored advice for individuals with specific dermatological conditions. Recent advances in sunscreen technology, including enhanced protection for long-wave UVA1, visible light, and infrared radiation; inorganic sunscreens with more cosmetic acceptability; and the addition of other active ingredients unrelated to sun protection, are discussed in the context of specific dermatoses. Visible light protection, particularly tinted sunscreens, is particularly relevant for dark to medium skin tones prone to pigmentary disorders, such as melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation. Practical advice is provided for optimizing sun protection in inflammatory conditions, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis, where formulation and tolerability are important for compliance. Photoprotection for photo-dermatoses and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dermatoses is also discussed. Recognizing the economic barriers to sunscreen access, the paper emphasizes the critical role of sun avoidance behaviors, such as sun-protective clothing and seeking shade, in resource-limited settings.