An evaluation of sunscreens in patients with broad action-spectrum photosensitivity.

The photoprotection afforded by three sunscreens available by prescription in the U.K. has been studied in patients with severe broad action-spectrum photosensitivity. All products investigated exhibited high protection against UV-B radiation in accordance with the protection factors quoted by the respective manufacturers. On the other hand, the protection against UV-A ranged only from fair to poor. The need for a sunscreen which has good protection against UV-A is shown to be important for the satisfactory management of patients with severe broad action spectrum photosensitivity.