Risk behaviour and patient preferences for an improved non-melanoma skin cancer prevention modality for organ-transplanted patients: a European, multi-country, online patient community study.

Immunosuppressants used in organ transplant patients increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. This study aimed to evaluate patient behaviours towards skin cancer prevention methods and to understand characteristics of a future prevention strategy based on patients' perspective. Carenity, a global online patient community, enabled the recruitment of 200 adult patients with solid organ transplants from four European countries: France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Most patients were well informed about the risk of skin cancer, but only 27% (53/200) monitored their skin. Most patients exposed themselves to intense sun exposure once a month or more. Nevertheless, more than half of patients were motivated to use additional prevention strategies and limit their sun exposure. The most appropriate prevention strategy was reported to be the use of a cosmetically attractive, water-resistant, paraben/fragrance-free cream. A one-size-fits-all approach is not an appropriate prevention strategy and an adapted approach based on patients' preferences may significantly contribute to better compliance and adherence.

Raman characterization of human skin aging.

BACKGROUND: Skin aging is a complex biological process mixing intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as sun exposure. At the molecular level, skin aging affects in particular the extracellular matrix proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using Raman imaging, which is a nondestructive approach appropriate for studying biological samples, we analyzed how aging modifies the matrix proteins of the papillary and reticular dermis. Biopsies from the buttock and dorsal forearm of volunteers younger than 30 and older than 60 were analyzed in order to identify chronological and photoaging processes. Analyses were performed on skin section, and Raman spectra were acquired separately on the different dermal layers. RESULTS: We observed differences in dermal matrix structure and hydration state with skin aging. Chronological aging alters in particular the collagen of the papillary dermis, while photoaging causes a decrease in collagen stability by altering proline and hydroxyproline residues in the reticular dermis. Moreover, chronological aging alters glycosaminoglycan content in both dermal compartments. CONCLUSION: Alterations of the papillary and reticular dermal matrix structures during photo- and chronological aging were clearly depicted by Raman spectroscopy.