Cancer of the skin: the eyelids, forgotten by the sunscreen

Published on 10/28/2024 12:44

A British study reveals the importance of protecting one's eyelids during solar exposures. In fact, about 10% of skin cancers develop in this area, which is particularly sensitive to UV rays.

According to a study published by the University of Liverpool (UK) on July 6, 2017, and presented at the British Conference of Dermatologists Annual Conference, eyelids are too often neglected when applying sunscreen.

Problem: between 5 and 10% of all skin cancers are specifically reported in this area where the skin, by its finesse, is very sensitive to UV rays, specify the results of the researchers.

A bad application related to "the misinformation of industrialists"

To reach such a conclusion, the scientists asked 57 volunteers (men and women) to apply sunscreen on the face, without giving them specific instructions. They had previously photographed them with a UV-sensitive device and then renewed the operation after application.

"On average, the volunteers missed 9.5% of the whole face, the most frequently forgotten areas being the eyelids (13.5%) and the area between the inner corner of the eye and the nose (77%). %), "said the researchers, who then asked their guinea pigs to re-apply sunscreen, sensitizing them to skin cancer.

As a result, only 7.7% of their entire face was unprotected.

In view of these results, the researchers deplore misinformation on the part of manufacturers of solar products, which generally advise consumers to avoid application on this fragile area.

The importance of wearing sunglasses

Dr. Kevin Hamill from the Department of Eye Sciences and Vision at the University of Liverpool also took advantage of this study to stress the importance of wearing sunglasses: "Most people consider that sunglasses' mission is to protect the eyes, especially the corneas, from UV damage and make them easier to see in the light of the sun.However, they do more than that since they also protect the highly cancerous skin eyelids. "

At the time of departure on vacation, it is not useless to recall the other recommendations of the WHO relating to the sun exposure: to avoid the time slot 10h-16h, to choose the index UV which corresponds to its phototype, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen every two hours.

Sources:
news.liverpool.ac.uk/2017/07/06/misapplication-sunscreen-leaving-people-vulnerable-skin-cancer/
https://www.who.int/uv/sun_protection/fr/