Siempre se ocupa poner filtro solar, la sombra no es suficiente.

Beach Umbrellas Not Enough to Protect Against Sun

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by Susan Sadoughi, MD

Beach umbrellas appear to offer less sun protection than sunscreen, according to a small, industry-conducted study in JAMA Dermatology.

Some 80 adults in Texas were randomized to apply sunscreen (SPF, 100) every 2 hours or to use a beach umbrella (that blocked transmission of ultraviolet rays) while on the beach for 3.5 hours mid-day. One day after sun exposure, participants were evaluated by a clinician for sunburn at seven exposed body areas.

Overall, the umbrella group had 142 sunburned areas, versus 17 in the sunscreen group. Compared with baseline, global sunburn scores increased significantly in 78% of participants in the umbrella group versus 25% in the sunscreen group.

The researchers write, "Although the SPF 100 sunscreen was more efficacious than the umbrella, neither method alone prevented sunburn completely under actual use conditions, highlighting the importance of using combinations of sun protection practices to optimize protection against UV rays."

JAMA Dermatology article (Free)

Background: NEJM Journal Watch Dermatology coverage of FDA sunscreen labels (Your NEJM Journal Watch registration required)

Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock

Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

4000-1054

2208-8206

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