Trends in emergency department visits due to sunburn and factors associated with severe sunburns in the United States.

Little is known regarding the burden of sunburns leading to emergency department (ED) visits in the United States (US). The objectives of this research were to characterize the burden of sunburn ED visits, investigate predictors of severe sunburns, and evaluate risk factors for increased cost of care in patients presenting to the ED for sunburn. In this nationally representative cross-sectional study of the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS, 2013-2015), multivariable models were created to evaluate adjusted odds for sunburn ED visits, seasonal/regional variation in sunburn ED visits, adjusted odds for second and third degree sunburns, and risk factors for increased ED expenditure. 82,048 sunburn ED visits were included in this study. On average, the cost of care for a sunburn ED visit was $1132.25 (± $28.69). The prevalence and cost of ED visits due to sunburn increased during the summer months. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics, patients presenting to the ED for all sunburns (and for severe sunburns) were most likely to be lower income young adult men. Older, higher income patients in metropolitan hospitals had more expensive ED visits. This research provides nationally representative estimates of visits to the ED due to sunburn in the US, as well as evaluates determinants for severe sunburns and more expensive sunburn ED visits. Ultimately, characterizing the national burden of ED visits due to sunburn is critical in the development of interventions to reduce the impact of sunburn ED visits on the US healthcare system.

Benefit Cost Analysis of Three Skin Cancer Public Education Mass-Media Campaigns Implemented in New South Wales, Australia.

Public education mass media campaigns are an important intervention for influencing behaviour modifications. However, evidence on the effectiveness of such campaigns to encourage the population to reduce sun exposure is limited. This study investigates the benefits and costs of three skin cancer campaigns implemented in New South Wales from 2006-2013. This analysis uses Australian dollars (AUD) and 2010-11 as the currency and base year, respectively. Historical data on skin cancer were used to project skin cancer rates for the period 2006-2020. The expected number of skin cancer cases is derived by combining skin cancer rates, sunburn rates and relative risk of skin cancers due to sun exposure. Counterfactual estimates are based on sunburn exposure in the absence of the campaigns. Monetary values are attached to direct (treatment) and indirect (productivity) costs saved due to fewer skin cancer cases. Monetary benefits are compared with the cost of implementing the campaigns and are presented in the form of a benefit-cost ratio. Relative to the counterfactual (i.e., no campaigns) there are an estimated 13,174 fewer skin cancers and 112 averted deaths over the period 2006-2013. The net present value of these benefits is $60.17 million and the campaign cost is $15.63 million. The benefit cost ratio is 3.85, suggesting that for every $1 invested a return of $3.85 is achieved. Skin cancer public education mass media campaigns are a good investment given the likely extent to which they reduce the morbidity, mortality and economic burden of skin cancer.

The economic impact of acute sunburn.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the economic impact of sunburn in a beachgoing population during the summer. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Galveston, Tex, beachfront. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 56 sunburned beachgoers. Intervention None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Days of work lost as a result of sunburn in the previous year. RESULTS: Thirty-eight respondents (68%) reported painful sunburn. Sunscreen use did not prevent painful sunburn (23/38 [60%]). Those consuming alcohol at the beach had more severe sunburns than nondrinkers and had a higher frequency of analgesic use after sunburn (69% vs 26%, P =.007). Five men (5/18 [28%]) and 4 women (4/38 [10%]) missed a total of 9 and 8 days of work, respectively, because of sunburn within the prior year. Based on these findings and attendant assumptions, it is estimated that sunburn may account for as many as 92 720 lost workdays by Galveston beachgoers each year. The annual economic impact for lost work and treatment may exceed $10 million. CONCLUSION: Sunburn is a costly and preventable skin injury.