[Short sun exposure of the gluteal region is safe--a prospective, clinical, randomized trial].

INTRODUCTION

Due to social norms and the use of clothes the gluteal region of the body is only partially exposed to sun. However, under certain circumstances this skin area may be left unprotected against sunlight. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sunlight on the gluteal region.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Six study participants received sun exposure of the gluteal region. The right and the left gluteal region were randomised to either 20 or 40 minutes exposure. Clinical symptoms, erythema score and pixel colour analysis were used to evaluate the effect.

RESULTS

Significantly more erythema was seen after 40 minutes exposure than after 20 minutes. The extent of redness measured by pixel colour analysis was more than 300 times higher for the 40-minute exposure period.

CONCLUSION

Twenty minutes sun exposure of the gluteal region appears to be safe with limited erythema compared with 40 minutes exposure, where severe skin reactions were seen. All outdoor activity without clothes should be limited to 20 minutes to avoid skin damage.

FUNDING: not relevant

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.