title: The prevalence and determinants of solar keratoses at a subtropical latitude (Queensland, Australia).
abstract: We report the association between skin pigmentation and individual sun exposure, and the occurrence of solar keratoses (SKs) in an unselected population, quantified for the first time. SKs were examined in a representative sample of 197 residents of the community of Nambour in Queensland, Australia. Estimates of sun exposure were combined with a measure of ultraviolet (UV) flux to estimate actual UV exposure, both occupational and recreational, during childhood and adult life. The number of episodes of painful sunburn was used as a measure of intermittent, intense UV exposure. Eight-three participants (43%) had at least one SK, while 35 (18%) had more than 10 SKs diagnosed. The age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the development of SKs were higher in individuals with fair (OR = 14.1) or medium skin (OR = 6.5), compared with olive-skinned individuals. Individuals with poor ability to develop a suntan were similarly at increased risk compared with others. High levels of occupational UV exposure during adult life were confirmed as being strongly associated with prevalent SKs (OR = 2.4 for heavy/maximal adult exposure), with an even stronger association seen in those individuals with multiple SKs (OR = 4.3 for maximal adult exposure). Although no clear association was demonstrated between SK prevalence and accumulated childhood sun exposure, a history of even one episode of sunburn in childhood was strongly associated with SK prevalence (peak OR of 5.9 for one sunburn).
authors.affiliation: Merck, Sharp and Dohme, Granville, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Frost
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Green
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage