Missy Gough (847) 330-0101, ext. 384 [email protected]
Karen Klickmann (847) 330-0101, ext. 341 [email protected]
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY IS CONCERNED ABOUT FDA CAP ON SUNSCREENS
SCHAUMBURG, ILL. (May 21, 1999) - The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is concerned that the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision today on the sunscreen monograph that caps the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of all sunscreens at 30 may be detrimental to the public because it will inhibit research for better sun protection. Under the cap, sunscreen makers will no longer be allowed to claim that sunscreens have an SPF of more than 30, even if, in fact, they do.
"Sunscreens are an essential weapon in the fight against skin cancer," said Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., President of the American Academy of Dermatology. "We want consumers to have their choice of the best available protection in sunscreens. That is why the AAD has long advocated a floor - or a minimum level of SPF 15 that should be allowed to be manufactured - rather than a cap on sunscreens." While sunscreens with an SPF of 30 can provide significant protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) exposure, dermatologists understand that sunscreen application is usually less than that used under the watchful eye of researchers. In a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, researchers determined that the public underapplies sunscreen. Since sunscreen users are only applying 50 percent of the recommended amount, they are only receiving 50 percent of the SPF. Therefore, consumers who apply 1 mg/sq. cm of SPF 30 may in reality only receive the sun protection of an SPF of 15.
To achieve appropriate sun protection, approximately one ounce is recommended. The AAD also recommends that further instructions about the amount of sunscreen necessary to provide adequate protection and frequency of application be required on packaging to discourage consumers from skimping on sunscreen application. "As with any successful product like sunscreen, a tremendous amount of time and energy is spent on research and development," adds Dr. Rigel. "There are patients who are highly photosensitive - such as lupus and xeroderma pigmentosum patients, patients on chemotherapy and other sun-sensitizing medicines, and patients with high risk factors including fair skin, light hair, numerous moles, or a family history of skin cancer - who require sunscreens with SPFs of 30 or higher and will be adversely affected by this decision if sunscreen manufacturers halt their current research." The AAD recommends the use of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 - if used correctly - for minimum sun protection. "Our concern is that if current practices hold true, consumers are not applying enough sunscreen for minimum protection," states Dr. Rigel. Sunscreen use is part of the AAD's recommended sun protection program that includes sun avoidance between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sun protective clothing.
Skin cancer rates have reached epidemic levels in this country and are projected to rise well into the next century. The incidence of all skin cancers has increased between 4 percent to 5 percent annually to more than 1 million new cases a year. Of that total, it is estimated that approximately 44,200 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer - this year, up 6 percent from 1998. This year alone, approximately 7,300 deaths will be attributed to melanoma, about one every hour.
While many people may know that skin cancer can kill them, few individuals realize how disfiguring it can be. More than 900,000 Americans will be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer this year. While non-melanoma skin cancers have a better than 95 percent cure rate, many of these individuals may lose a nose, an eye, or an ear if this invasive skin cancer is not detected and treated early.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership over 12,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care; and promoting a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM or www.aad.org.
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