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Background: Photopatch testing represents the gold standard for the diagnosis of photoallergic contact dermatitis (PACD). We aimed to identify common photoallergens in our tertiary dermatological referral centre from 2012 to 2021, to compare this to the preceding period studied, and data from other communities. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all 90 patients who underwent photopatch testing at the National Skin Centre, Singapore, between 2012 and 2021. Results: Of 90 patients, 19 (21.1%) were male, and the mean age was 41.6 years. Eighty‐four (93.3%) underwent testing to our standard sunscreen series, 10 (11.1%) to our extended series, and 73 (81.1%) to their own items. Seventeen (18.9%) were diagnosed with PACD (i.e., photocontact allergy with present or past relevance), 12 (13.3%) with ACD, and 4 (4.4%) with photoaugmented ACD. Relevant reactions were commonest to oxybenzone (8, 9.5%) and mexenone (3, 3.6%). Eleven (15.1%) had PACD to their own items, with 3 of 4 (75%) tested to ketoprofen diagnosed with PACD and the remaining 1 (25%) with photoaugmented ACD. Age, race, sex, atopy, and site of involvement were not associated with photocontact allergy. Compared to the preceding time period, the overall frequency of photocontact allergy and PACD decreased, but rates of photoallergic reactions to individual photoallergens were not significantly different. Conclusion: Organic ultraviolet absorbers such as oxybenzone and mexenone remained the most relevant photoallergens. Personal item testing was valuable, and testing to ketoprofen should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Analysis of Internet search trends has been performed to evaluate interest in sun protection, artificial tanning, and skin cancers among the public, particularly in Western countries. This observational study aimed to investigate the relative popularity of search terms relating to sun protection, sunburn, skin cancers, and tanning used in Google Trends® in three South‐East Asian countries (Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia). Methods: The relevant search terms were queried using the Google Trends® in each location and worldwide. The search volume indices were compared between locations and over a time period from January 1, 2004, to January 31, 2019. Correlations between "sunblock" and "sunburn" as well as "sunblock" and search terms relating to skin cancers ("skin cancer," "melanoma," "basal cell carcinoma," and "squamous cell carcinoma") were evaluated. Results: The favored search term relating to sun protection in this region was "sunblock" despite the term itself being a misnomer. The relative popularity of searches for "sunblock" also showed an increase over time and was generally higher compared with interest in sunburn, skin cancers, and artificial tanning practices. Positive correlations were noted between "sunblock" and "sunburn" in Malaysia and "sunblock" and "melanoma" in Singapore. Conclusion: Insights into search trends may assist public health promotion to raise awareness regarding sun protection and skin cancers in the region by targeting commonly used terms for each geographical location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The World Health Organisation has identified schools as key players in the global effort to reduce the rising incidence of skin cancer. Singapore lies 70 miles from the Equator, with one of the world's highest ultraviolet (UV) index scores. It is a multi-ethnic society, with many expatriates. Children in Singapore are likely to be exposed to high levels of UV radiation, and represent a variety of skin types. This study aimed to assess sun protection measures in schools, the frequency of reported sunburn in schoolchildren of different ethnic groups, the level of parental and school concern about sun exposure, the sun-protective measures currently in place, and the parental and school support for public education and "sunsmart" school programmes., Methods: Questionnaires were sent to principals and parents of primary schoolchildren in 20 local and eight international schools in January 2003., Results: The majority of children in all ethnic groups in Singapore were reported to suffer to some degree from sunburn during their first ten years. Over 50 percent of parents and head teachers predicted an increased risk of skin cancer in their children. Some protective measures were in place. But teachers and parents were concerned, and most favoured the promotion of more active measures., Conclusion: The reported incidence of sunburn among Singaporean school children is higher than expected across all ethnic groups. Given the current level of sun protective measures in place, more could be done to educate parents and schools regarding "sunsmart practice", and reducing their future risk of skin cancer and eye damage.