The Skin Ivory Spot. A Possible Indicator for Skinfield Photo-Carcinogenesis in Recreational Sunbed Addicts

Pascale Quatresooz, Claudine Piérard-Franchimont and Gérald E. Piérard
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Pascale Quatresooz: Laboratory of Skin Bioengineering and Imaging, Department of Dermatopathology, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium
Claudine Piérard-Franchimont: Laboratory of Skin Bioengineering and Imaging, Department of Dermatopathology, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium
Gérald E. Piérard: Laboratory of Skin Bioengineering and Imaging, Department of Dermatopathology, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium

IJERPH, 2012, vol. 9, issue 2, 1-8

Abstract: Introduction : For a decade or so, artificial sources of restricted light wavelengths, particularly sunbeds, have progressively gained popularity among adolescents and young adults. Warnings were raised focusing on the risk of accelerated photoaging and photocarcinogenesis. The ULEV (ultraviolet light-enhanced visualization) method is a convenient noninvasive way identifying subtle pigmentary changes presenting as a mottled subclinical melanoderma (MSM). Of note, rare spotty amelanotic macules presenting as skin ivory spots (SIS) was reported on any part of the body. Subjects and method : This work is the first attempt at evaluating the changes in the MSM and SIS spots developed on the skin of 33 phototype III young women designated as avid users involved in frequent exposures to sunshine and sunbeds for lifestyle purposes for a duration of at least 120 months. Results : MSM was markedly heterogeneous and was distinctly obvious in the majority of adepts of frequent natural and artificial photoexposures. SIS was particularly developed in subjects presenting with severe MSM patterns. Discussion : MSM and SIS are more severe in subjects frequently exposed to sunbeds and sun exposures. These signs possibly represent a risk marker for field photocarcinogenesis.

Keywords: carcinoma; melanin; melanocyte; ULEV method; ultraviolet light; sunbed; field photocarcinogenesis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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