Topical and Oral Photoprotection for the Treatment of Photodermatoses. A Survey of 90 Dermatologists.

INTRODUCTION AND

OBJECTIVES

Strict photoprotection is essential for the management of photodermatoses. However, we have not found studies on photoprotection (topical and/or oral) prescribed in clinical practice. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of topical and oral photoprotection recommended for photodermatoses, including the prescription of a topical broad-spectrum sunscreen containing ectoin (BSSE).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

An anonymous survey carried out (as a pretest) among dermatologists at an online photoprotection event held on May 20, 2023, in Spain.

RESULTS

The survey was answered by 90 dermatologists (45.4% [90/198] of the attendees). Of these, 67.8% (61/90) were women, and 83.3% (75/90) worked in public hospitals; 98.9% (89/90) reported always or almost always prescribing sunscreens in cases of photodermatoses. The most important characteristics of sunscreens were: protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) (95.6%) (86/90), against visible light (76.7%) (69/90), and the cosmetic acceptability of the product (67.8%) (61/90); 90% (81/90) reported regularly prescribing a BSSE for photodermatosis, and 60.7% (54/90) claimed that this product was effective or highly effective in reducing symptoms. Oral photoprotection was recommended by 95.5% (85/89) of respondents, and 97.7% (86/88; 2 nonresponders) reported observing a decrease in symptomatology when oral photoprotection was prescribed together with sunscreens.

LIMITATIONS: Online survey, potential inclusion bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of dermatologists surveyed prescribed sunscreens with high protection against UVA and visible light for photodermatoses, recommended oral photoprotection with Polypodium leucotomos and reported observing a decrease in symptomatology after recommending topical plus oral photoprotection.