title: Skin type distribution and skin disease in Ireland.
abstract: The Irish are generally considered to have a fair complexion. We surveyed the distribution of skin type in an Irish city population (n = 1000). Skin type prevalence was as follows: type 1: 26%, type 2: 49.6%, type 3: 19.7%, type 4: 4.3%, type 5: 0.3%, type 6: 0.1%. Sunbeds were used by 16% of the population. Malignant melanoma occurred in 1.4% of patients, non-melanoma skin cancer in 6%. The high frequency of sunbed use in a fair skinned population and the high incidence of skin cancer is disturbing and highlights the need for ongoing public health education regarding ultraviolet radiation risks.
authors.affiliation: Beaumont and Mater Hospitals, Dublin.
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Codd
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005127:Eye Color / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006200:Hair Color / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000502:physiology; D013471:Sunburn / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires