UV Protection Habits and Preferences in Patients With Distinct Cutaneous Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Achieving adequate UV protection can be particularly challenging in patients with cutaneous immune-mediated inflammatory dermatoses (IMIDs), owing to the clinical characteristics and quality-of-life impact of these diseases.

To compare the UV protection habits and preferences of patients with cutaneous IMIDs, specifically considering expert recommendations for these diseases.

This pilot cross-sectional, observational and analytical cohort study recruited 120 participants (78 female, 42 male; mean age, 40.8 ± 15.39 years): 20 cases for each IMID (vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa) and 20 healthy controls. Study variables included eye and hair color, BMI, phototype, clinical severity scales for each IMID, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score and a study-specific questionnaire on photoprotection preferences.

Daily photoprotection was reported by 40% of participants, with highest adherence (55%) in vitiligo patients. Hat use was generally low (24.17%), except among alopecia areata patients (40%). Overall, 63.3% of participants reported no sunburn in the last year, and 95% used an SPF > 15. Cream was the most commonly used SPF format, followed by spray. Oral photoprotection was known by 33.3% of participants, with highest use reported by vitiligo patients (45%). Compliance with UV protection recommendations for their specific disease was highest among vitiligo patients (70%), but did not exceed 10% for any other IMID.

Educating patients with cutaneous IMIDs about appropriate UV protection, tailored to their specific skin disorder, treatments and preferences, is crucial to improve compliance and disease control.