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Correspondence
August 2005

Safe in the Sun: Low Prevalence of Sunburns and a High Use of Sun Protection Measures in Bavarian Preschool Children

Arch Dermatol. 2005;141(8):1041-1042. doi:10.1001/archderm.141.8.1041

The prevalence of sunburns, an established risk factor for skin tumors, and the use of sun protection measures were assessed during the 2003 school entrance examinations in 7263 children in Bavaria, Germany.1 Three aspects of sunburn prevalence were ascertained: lifetime experience (ever), recent events (last 12 months), and severity (blistering). The skin phototype was assessed by questions on freckling, eye color, and individual experiences with skin reaction to UV exposure. Sun protection attitudes were categorized by use of sunscreens, sun caps or hats, and/or textiles and avoidance of sun exposure during the UV-intensive hours. We also asked for the number of hours spent outdoors during a usual summer day.

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