Although there have been recent advances in broad-spectrum sunscreens and photoprotective clothing, few peer-reviewed publications have focused on preventive strategies for excessive solar radiation exposures during travel to temperate,

tropical, and high altitude regions with high UV indices. In response, the objectives of this review were (1) to describe the adverse health effects of excessive UV radiation exposures, (2) to review recent cohort studies of public perceptions regarding sun exposure and protective behaviors, (3) to identify special populations at increased risks of UV photosensitivity, and (4) to recommend simple and effective photoprotection strategies for travelers. Internet search engines were queried with the key words as search terms see more to examine the latest references on photoprotection and the epidemiology of UV-associated skin cancers and other adverse effects of UV-radiation exposures. This search yielded only three references on photoprotection for travelers including a British comparison of photoprotection recommendations from five travel guides for travelers to Spain, a German article on sun and insect bite protection while outdoors, and a French article on sunglasses and sunscreens during travel to tropical areas.[1-3] Solar UV radiation is classified by wavelength into UVA1 (340–400 nm), UVA2 (320–340 nm), UVB (290–320 nm), and UVC (100–290 nm). The stratospheric ozone layer

effectively absorbs most UVB radiation and all UVC radiation; but some TSA HDAC solubility dmso UVB and all UVA2 wavelengths still reach the earth’s surface. UVB is mostly absorbed by the epidermis and is primarily responsible for erythema and sunburn. UVB radiation damages DNA at neighboring pyrimidine sites and can cause local mutations in p53 tumor suppressor genes with resulting squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).[4, 5] The skin is continuously exposed to UV radiation outdoors, receives Methane monooxygenase the largest doses of radiation, and suffers the most significant adverse effects, including photoaging, sun allergy, premalignant skin lesions [actinic keratoses (AK)], and skin cancers, of which the most common types are non-melanoma

skin cancers [basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and SCC] and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM).[6-16] Skin cancers exhibit different sun-exposure-related risk factors with early, intermittent overexposures and blistering sunburns associated with BCC and CMM, and chronic and cumulative overexposures associated with SCC.[7, 14, 17-19] The non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) comprise 95% of all skin cancers and are the most commonly occurring malignancies among fair-skinned populations worldwide.[10-13] The annual world incidence of NMSCs is estimated to be 2 to 3 million cases each year.[10-13] An upward trend in NMSCs has now been observed in Australia, Europe, and the United States (US) with an average annual increase between 3% and 8%.