Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery

Episodic sun exposures/sunburns are critical risk factors for cutaneous melanoma (CM) and basal cell carcinoma. Inuit communities in Canada represent an important emerging population at risk for skin cancers as they face specific, high latitude ultraviolet (UV) exposure risks due to geographic factors and climate change, yet little is known about their sun- protective behaviors and CM risk perceptions.

We aimed to evaluate sun protection and skin cancer awareness in Inuit communities of Nunavik.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 Nunavik communities during summer 2024. Participants aged ≥16 self-identified as Inuit and those who completed the Sun Exposure and Behavior Inventory were included. Demographic data, UV exposure, sun protection habits, and skin cancer concerns were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Among 541 Inuit participants (mean age 39.9 years; 63.4% female), use of sunscreen (19.5% of respondents), hats (31.5%), and shade (28.7%) was low. Sunglasses (56.3%) and long sleeves (62.1%) were the most common protective measures. Nearly half (48.1%) reported checking their skin for moles, while 40% or more were unsure whether CM could be fatal or preventable. Males and individuals with less education reported lower awareness and fewer protective behaviors.

Inuit communities in Nunavik demonstrate relatively low engagement with sun-protective practices and limited skin cancer awareness despite increasing UV exposure. Targeted, culturally appropriate health education initiatives are needed to support skin cancer prevention in this region.

Childhood is a crucial time for sun safety, as sun exposure in children is a major risk factor for the development of skin cancers. Identifying which programs effectively target children within schools is essential.

Three interventions ([1] delivery of a 30 minute presentation on sun-safety, [2] providing sunscreen samples to students at school, and [3] dispersal of letters to parents encouraging sun-safety item use) were evaluated.

Six-grade 6 classrooms at 3 different schools were recruited, each with 1 intervention and 1 control class. Demographic information and sun safety knowledge and habits were assessed in early April 2024 using a validated questionnaire. Starting in mid-April 2024, the intervention classes received the 3 interventions. The questionnaire was re-administered to all classes in mid-June 2024. The responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

A total of 111 students participated. The intervention classes showed positive trends in sun safety behaviours, including a greater increase in the number of sun safety items in school at follow-up and less of an increase in frequency of sunburns. Gender-based differences were also identified, such that female students exhibited lower overall baseline sun safety behaviours and a greater response to the interventions.

The 3 interventions evaluated improved certain aspects of sun safety behaviors among children. Future research with longitudinal follow-up is needed to fully assess the impact of these interventions. However, given the low effort and cost, implementation of these interventions represents a low-barrier option to promote sun safety behaviours among children.

Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis characterized by palpable purpura, often accompanied by joint, gastrointestinal, and/or renal involvement. Although cutaneous manifestations are usually mild and self-limited, they can occasionally present as persistent, severe, or recurrent skin lesions.

To assess the efficacy and safety of colchicine in the treatment of complicated cutaneous manifestations of IgAV.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated with colchicine for skin manifestation of IgAV at our vasculitis clinic. This was complemented by a search of the PubMed and MEDLINE databases to identify additional reported cases.

A total of 30 cases were included, comprising 13 from our institution and 17 from the literature. Indications for colchicine use were persistent purpura lasting more than 4 weeks (n = 18), severe skin involvement including bullae, ulcerations, or widespread purpura (n = 9), and recurrent lesions after a symptom-free interval of at least 1 month (n = 8). Colchicine led to clinical improvement in 90% of patients (27/30), with complete resolution in 67% (20/30). All 12 patients treated with colchicine monotherapy responded favorably. Doses ranged from 0.6 to 1.8 mg/day, and the time to response varied from a few days to 3 months. No adverse effects were reported.

Colchicine appears to be a safe and effective treatment for persistent, severe, or recurrent cutaneous manifestations of IgAV. These findings support its use in clinical practice and highlight the need for prospective controlled studies.

Alopecia areata (AA) is associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and patients with AA also experience psychosocial symptoms that can influence their participation in activities, including work.

To describe work productivity loss and HRQOL in AA.

In this cross-sectional study, we administered a web-based questionnaire to adults self-reporting AA recruited from a patient organization. AA severity was assessed using the 6-domain Alopecia and Areata Patient Priority Outcomes Questionnaire, productivity loss was evaluated using the Valuation of Lost Productivity Questionnaire and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, and HRQOL was assessed using the Veterans-Rand 12 Questionnaire. Linear regression was used to measure the association between AA severity and the outcomes.

Our final sample of 51 participants was predominantly women (n = 46), White race (n = 37), and working (n = 36). Unadjusted regressions showed that a 1-point increase in the emotional symptoms (ES) domain or activity limitations (AL) domain from AA was associated with increased total productivity loss (49.7 hours [95% CI: 11.5-87.9] and 40.4 hours [4.5-76.4]), paid productivity loss (33.8 hours [3.8-63.8] and 40.7 hours [16.1-65.3]), and worse HRQOL (−0.094 [−0.164 to −0.025] and −0.087 [−0.152 to −0.022]). Percentages of work impairment and activity impairment also increased with higher ES and AL.

Greater ES and AL due to AA were associated with greater impairment in participants’ regular activities in our small sample. Further research is needed in a larger, more representative sample of working adults with AA to elucidate findings.