JOURNAL ARTICLE
REVIEW
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Broad-spectrum photoprotection: the roles of tinted auto windows, sunscreens and browning agents in the diagnosis and treatment of photosensitivity.

Since window glass absorbs sunlight below 320 nm, it provides a means of assessing sensitivity to longer wavelengths, i.e. UVA and visible radiation. Positive responses to the query of whether symptoms develop in the auto with the windows up must now be interpreted with regard to the possible presence of tinted plastic film on side and rear windows. These films block nearly all UVA radiation, as does the plastic interleaf of windshields. Thus, occupants of an auto equipped with plastic film receive photoprotection from UVB radiation and well into the UVA region. We define three classes of topical sunscreens: (1) conventional UVB screens, (2) broad-spectrum preparations containing a UVB screen and a UVA absorber and (3) browning agents such as dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that produce a skin coloration that absorbs in the low end of the visible region, with overlap into long-wavelength UVA. By considering responses of photosensitive persons in autos with tinted or untinted windows, coupled with efficacy of appropriate sunscreens, we produced an algorithm defining three photosensitivity subsets. Persons sensitive to long-wavelength UVA and/or visible radiation will benefit from tinted auto windows. In particular, patients with lupus erythematosus (LE) have actively promoted legislation allowing tinted windows. Support for their position is documented by recent reports of induction of lesions in LE patients by exposure to UVA and visible radiation. The brown color produced by DHA is a useful adjunct to the screening action of broad-spectrum sunscreens. Development of a durable color overnight allows application of the DHA preparation in the evening, thus eliminating possible interference with sunscreen use during the day.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app