High variability in anatomic patterns of cutaneous photodamage: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Skin cancer is linked to photodamaged skin, but sun exposure varies significantly across body sites.
• Existing research often oversimplifies sun exposure as 'exposed' or 'unexposed', neglecting site-specific variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whole-body patterns of skin photodamage in an Australian population.
• To identify distinct patterns of photodamage across multiple body sites.

Main Methods:

• A random sample of 190 Queensland adults had 10 body sites imaged.
• Photodamage was assessed using an ordinal photonumeric scale.
• Cluster analysis identified photodamage patterns, with prevalence proportion ratios (PPRs) used for factor association.

Main Results:

• 58% of participants exhibited moderate-to-severe photodamage on most body sites.
• Four distinct photodamage patterns were identified: 'severe general', 'moderate-severe general', 'moderate-severe v-neck', and 'mild-moderate upper body'.
• Severe photodamage was associated with older age, increased likelihood of prior skin cancer, and smoking.

Conclusions:

• Moderate-to-severe photodamage is prevalent in Queensland adults and associated with age, sex, prior skin cancer, and smoking.
• Site-specific photodamage assessment is vital for understanding skin cancer development and improving screening.
• Recognizing varied photodamage patterns refines our understanding beyond generalized sun exposure assumptions.