Healio featured two Journal of Drugs in Dermatology studies in recent articles, including an article on UV light as an underappreciated workplace hazard. The study, “Sun Exposure and Cancer Outcomes (Incidence, Treatment, Survivorship) in Outdoor Workers,” from the July issue calls for policymakers to recognize UV light from the sun as a workplace hazard and adopt policies that will better protect outdoor workers. The study points out that outdoor workers in the western U.S., including agricultural and construction workers, have been shown to receive 3 to 10 times the amount of UV exposure compared to indoor workers. Research on cumulative UV exposure suggests an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma by as much as 77%. Yet recognition of UV light as a workplace hazard is nonexistent in the U.S. and policies fall short of nations such as Australia and Germany. In addition to federal recognition, the authors recommend state-level and company-level actions, such as providing personal protective equipment and skin cancer education in the workers’ languages.
Healio also wrote about a July JDD study on the dangers of chemical relaxers. The study, “Hidden Harms of Hair Relaxers: A Call to Action,” outlines current research on safety and details public health strategies. The letter to the editor points out that chemical hair relaxers often contain phthalates, parabens, and heavy metals that may impact hormonal pathways, potentially leading to hormone imbalance, infertility, fibroids, and increased breast and uterine cancer risk. Authors recommend dermatology clinicians encourage their patients to adopt natural hairstyles and reduce their use of chemical straighteners. In addition, the authors recommend dermatology clinicians advocate for policies like the CROWN Act, which bans hair discrimination that is based on race, so that natural hair is more accepted in workplaces and schools.
BlackDoctor highlighted a June JDD study on the impact of white cast on sunscreen usage in subjects with a variety of skin tones. The study, “A Randomized Controlled Trial Analyzing the Likeability, Usability, and In-Use Efficacy of Mineral Sunscreens Across Diverse Skin Tones,” measured the whitening effect of mineral sunscreens across skin tones and evaluated its relationship with consumer perception, application behavior, and the product’s efficacy. Researchers found that controlled application of mineral sunscreen was 3 times more pronounced on darker skin tones. Uncontrolled application resulted in participants applying less product with reduced sunscreen efficacy. When choosing sunscreens, participants had a reduced preference for more whitening sunscreens. The researchers write that avoidance of mineral sunscreens because of whitening compromises sun protection, especially in people with darker skin.
