frequency of some deramatoses related to increase solar radiation exposure in Sulaimania city

ABSTRACT

Various skin disorders are related to increase solar radiation exposure. These diseases mainly increase in spring and summer months among general population due to an increase to sun light exposure and an increase intensity of uhravaiolet radiation [UVR]. This study was done to evaluate different skin diseases related to study the frequency of the skin diseases related to increase exposure to UV light in Sulaimania city. This is a selective prospective study; the data collected during the period of the January 2006 to September 2007 in Dermatology Department in Consulting Clinic in Sulaimania city, 391 cases were collected in both sexes whose ages ranged between 5 and 73 years with a mean age of 39 years. Full history and thorough physical examination was done for all patients. Three hundred ninety one patients were included in this study; they were 190 [4 8.6%] males and 201 [51.4%] females, there ages ranged between 5-73 years with a mean age of 39 years. Sunburn 116 [29.7%] patients was the commonest condition seen, acne like eruption 84 [21 .4%] patients, drug photosensitivity 74 [18.9%] patients, Polymorphous light eruption 32 [8.1%] patients, Chronic actinic dermatitis 24 [6.1%] patients, Lichenoid dermatitis 21 [5.3%] patients, Actinic prurigo like polymorphic light eruption 18 [4.6%] patients, Lichen planus actinicus 15 [3.9%] patients, Solar urticaria 5 [1.2%] patients, Porokeratoses 2 [0.6%] patients, The number of the eases variable during the months from no cases in January and February to the highest numbers during the summer months with a top [149] patients, in August. To best of our knowledge this is first study done about UVR exposure in Sulaimania city. There are various dermatoses related to increase UVR exposure, as the UV index increases, the number of eases increases. The highest number of eases occurs in summer [especially in July and August], because in summer the UV index reaches its higher levels and the outdoor activities increase with inadequate protective measures in Sulaimania without regular used of sunscreen. We recommend strict use of sunscreen for males and females especially summer times and avoid going out in specific times of the day especially in summer. We recommend future studies about tumors, photo aging, DNA repair-defective disorders and dermatoses aggravated by solar exposure like porphyria, SLE, pellagra, rosacea