Assessment of sunscreen effects in photosensitivity under UV exposure during COVID- 19 pandemic

• Published in: Journal of King Saud University. Science 2023-12, Vol.35 (10), p.102970, Article 102970
• Main Authors: Mumtaz, Sara, Ali, Atif, Muhammad Sharif, Hajra, Aljowaie, Reem M., Alsaleh, Asma N, Khan, Hira, Naeem, Muhammad, Mehmood Abbasi, Arshad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19 pandemic; Photosensitivity; Public health; Sunscreen
• ISSN: 1018-3647
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2023.102970

The aim of this work was to assess the effects of typical and optimal use of sunscreens in photosensitivity under UV exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 participants to find out about photosensitivity in COVID-19 pandemic using a validated questionnaire involving demographic characteristics and Fitzpatrick skin type to measure skin phototypes that also included information about skin reactions upon sun exposure, the incidence of photosensitivity, and photoprotection behaviour. It was further extended by finding photosensitivity among 200 medical staff and patients that were recovered from COVID-19 infection. Next, the study involved 22 participants in two groups: optimal use with 2 mg per cm2 sunscreen and typical use for 7 days. The sunscreen used was an SPF 50+ product with various ingredients. Instrumental measurements were taken at baseline and 7th day visits to quantify skin melanin and erythema values. 54.9% of participants had a history of photosensitivity, skin redness after sun exposure (38.0%), skin protection (74.2%), always using sunscreen (21.1%), and applying sunscreen twice a day (12.2%). A significant association between age, photoprotection behaviour, and photosensitivity was found. The incidence rate of photosensitivity in the population was 90/1000. 63.5% of the participants agreed to specific skin related manifestations of COVID-19; preventive measures for COVID-19 infection made their skin sensitive (65%); enhanced photosensitivity of the skin after taking preventive measures (53.5%); use of hand sanitizers made their skin sensitive (63.5%); and use of sunscreens was helpful in treating photosensitivity (58.5%). In addition, there was a decrease in skin melanin and erythema values with optimal use of sunscreen and an increase in skin melanin and erythema values with typical use of sunscreen. When the paired sample t test was applied, the result was found to be significant. It was determined that the COVID-19 pandemic had a high incidence of photosensitivity. Skin sensitivity was increased by using hand sanitizers. Additionally, it is important to prioritise using sunscreen optimally to avoid skin photosensitization. More work on large numbers of participants of different populations in various regions is required in the direction of population guidance.