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. 2021 Nov 24:14:1791-1797.
doi: 10.2147/CCID.S334574. eCollection 2021.

Sunburn Prevalence is Underestimated in UK-Based People of African Ancestry

Olayemi Bello  1 , Holger Sudhoff  2 , Peter Goon  1   2
Affiliations

Sunburn Prevalence is Underestimated in UK-Based People of African Ancestry

Olayemi Bello et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. .

Abstract

Background: Eumelanin, the primary pigment in human epidermis, has a well-established photo-protective role. It can confer a protection factor of up to approximately 13.4 in some individuals. However, the protection eumelanin affords is not absolute and, further, the susceptibility of human skin to the harmful effects of UV radiation is more complex than skin pigmentation alone.

Objective: Our survey explored the lifetime prevalence of sunburn in people of African Ancestry based in the UK (Black African or Black Caribbean).

Results: A significant number of respondents, 52.2% (n=222), reported a history of sunburn. Interestingly, there was a significant increase in frequency of sunburn in those with a lighter skin tone (self-classified from dark, medium and light - 47.3%, 53.5% and 71.4%, respectively). In total 69% reported that the episode of sunburn occurred when they were not using sunscreen, and another 10% could not recall whether sunscreen was used. A large proportion of respondents (59%) indicated that they had been sunburnt while away from the UK in hot/sunny climates, raising the question of whether intermittent sun exposure at high UV indices is a key factor in sunburn risk for those living in temperate climates.

Conclusion: Our findings do not support the hypothesis of a simplistic relationship between skin colour and sun sensitivity and encourage us to re-examine this relationship and its implications for public health promotion. It also adds to a body of evidence revealing the need for more up-to-date and appropriate systems to assess the risk UV radiation poses to diverse populations.

Keywords: UV radiation; skin of colour; sunburn.

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Conflict of interest statement

Holger Sudhoff and Peter Goon are co-senior authors of this study. The authors declare that they have no known conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Countries of heritage as specified by respondents.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Lifetime frequency of sunburn. 0 (n=203), 1 (n=83), 2 (n=54), 3 (n=32), 4 (n=12), 5 (n=4), Over 5 times (n=37).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Sunscreen use at time of sunburn.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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