title: [Light protection: principles of UV protection].
abstract: UV radiation is responsible for the induction of epithelial and melanocytic skin cancer, photoaging, and photodermatoses. UV protection is necessary to prevent damage caused by non-physiologic exposure. UV protection includes not only reduction of sun exposure but also use of sun protective filters, UV protective clothes, DNA repair enzymes, and antioxidant supplementation. Consumers are uncertain about the possibilities and limitations of commercial sun protection measures. Dermatologists must explain protective measures to the general public which continues to believe that UV-tanned skin is healthy. The sunscreen market is a highly competitive but lucrative market. The range of products with different designations and promises makes difficult for both consumers and dermatologists to determine what is sensible UV protection.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Hautklinik Düsseldorf. stege@med.uni-duesseldorf.de
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Stege
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mang
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D011855:Radiodermatitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D013473:Sunscreening Agents