Some Patients Apply Sunscreen to Nevi Only

An unexpected number of patients with nevi report that they selectively apply sunscreens to moles only, and almost half of them say that a dermatologist told them to do so, according to a new study. (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. e-pub). Of 1,816 European subjects surveyed (59.3% females, age 14-90 (median 45) years, 44.7% Italians), 1,273 (70.1%) reported intentional sun exposure. Of these1,109 (87.1%) reported sunscreen use. In all, 1086 (97.9%) stated they have moles on their skin. Fifty-one subjects with nevi (4.7%) reported selective sunscreen application on nevi. Reported information sources were: dermatologist (49.0%), personal belief (31.4%), relative/friend (7.8%), media (7.8%), pediatrician (2.0%) and general practitioner (2.0%).