Use of Multiple Correspondence Analysis to Explore Associations Between Caregivers and Sun Protective Habits During Summer Vacations

BACKGROUND: Childhood exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) plays an important role in the development of keratinocyte carcinomas and melanomas. Therefore, sun-protective measures ought to be implemented during early childhood. Young children are largely dependent upon adult care providers\u27 in achieving proper sun protection. OBJECTIVES: To develop effective photoprotection in children, it is necessary to understand caregivers\u27 attitudes and knowledge about UVR exposure. This study aimed to explore the variables associated with sun protective behavior in parents and grandparents during summer vacations. METHODS: Multinational, cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based online survey on a representative sample of parents and grandparents of children aged 12 or under, who cared for their children/grandchildren for at least 2 weeks during the summer of 2021, in five countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United States). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to explore in an unbiased way the possible relationships among all the variables and to identify specific profiles. RESULTS: A total of 6,190 adult participants responded to the questionnaire: 5,104 parents (average age 42.01 years (y), 54,3% women) and 1,086 grandparents (average age 64,21y, 55,5% women).Grandparents adopted more cautious behaviors than parents. Parents fell in closer proximity to the unprotected sun exposure habits , and sunburn reported in youngest child . Grandparents fell in proximity to having exposed the grandchild to the sun between 11am and 5pm , not using an umbrella and not using sunglasses . CONCLUSIONS: While grandparents appear to adopt more cautious behaviors than parents, many gaps in proper sun protection behavior were observed in both groups of guardians

Dermatology today and tomorrow: from symptom control to targeted therapy

For many decades and until recently, medical approach to dermatologic diseases has been based on the physician’s ability to recognize and treat symptoms. Nowadays, advances in the understanding of the biology of diseases and in technologies for intervening against them have allowed physicians to diagnose and treat underlying disease pro- cesses rather than simply addressing the symptoms. This means that rather than addressing ‘the disease in humans’, physicians can now address the particular pathologic (biologic, molecular) disturbance as it presents in the individual patient, i.e., physicians now can practice something much closer to ‘personalized medicine’, leading to greater benefits for the patients and the health of society in general. The deeper understanding of ultraviolet radiation, the importance of photo- protection and increased knowledge about signalling pathways of melanoma and carcinoma have led to more complete care for the dermatologic patient. The current popularity for excessive exposure to the sun, without adequate application of the appropriate photoprotection remedies, is the origin of melanoma, but also for the weakening of the structure and func- tions of the skin. Indeed, fragility of the skin can affect humans around the world. In the senior population, this skin fragility is accompanied by pruritus, whereas atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory disease with highest prevalence in children and adolescents. Acne, the number one reason for dermatologic consultations worldwide, increases its prevalence in adoles- cents and in females. Senescent alopecia affects humans after menopause and andropause. The articles in this publication present an overview of the current advanced understanding of the diagnosis and therapeutic approaches in 6 fields of der- matology – dermatopaediatry and gerontodermatology, oncodermatology, hair loss, atopic dermatitis, photoprotection and acne – and thereby serve as a useful compendium of updated information and references for all healthcare professionals who see patients with presentations of the symptoms of these diseases