Expert Consensus on Photoprotection Practices: A Delphi Study
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Photoprotection, Sunscreen, Sunscreen Agents, Sun Damaged Skin. Basic parameters: from 25 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Egypt
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Overview
This study is a Delphi-based expert consensus project aimed at developing evidence-informed recommendations for photoprotection practices across various populations, including general, at-risk, and special groups (e.g., children, pregnant women, patients with photodermatoses). Despite extensive evidence on the importance of sun protection, there is variability in clinical advice regarding sunscreen selection, application frequency, SPF requirements, adjunctive protective measures, and patient counseling.
Detailed description
This study is a non-interventional, methodological Delphi consensus project designed to develop standardized recommendations for photoprotection practices. Photoprotection encompasses strategies to minimize ultraviolet (UV)-related skin damage, including sunscreen use, clothing, behavioral measures, and patient education. Despite broad awareness campaigns, inconsistencies exist regarding SPF selection, application methods, timing, reapplication frequency, and the use of additional protective measures.
A steering committee of dermatologists and photoprotection experts will conduct a literature review and draft initial statements addressing key domains:
Sunscreen use: SPF level, spectrum coverage (UVA/UVB), formulation (chemical vs. physical), water resistance.
Application guidelines: Amount, timing before sun exposure, reapplication frequency, body coverage.
Adjunctive measures: Protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade-seeking behavior.
Special populations: Children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, patients with photosensitive dermatoses.
Behavioral counseling: Education strategies, adherence promotion, and misconceptions.
Integration with skin care and aesthetic practices.
A panel of experts in dermatology, photobiology, and related fields will participate in multiple Delphi rounds. Panelists will rate agreement with each statement using a Likert scale. Anonymized feedback will be provided after each round, and statements not reaching a predefined consensus threshold (e.g., ≥70-80%) will be revised and re-evaluated in subsequent rounds.
The final output will consist of consensus-based recommendations reflecting practical, safe, and evidence-informed photoprotection practices. Areas of disagreement or uncertainty will also be highlighted, identifying research gaps and priorities for future studies.
Primary outcome measures
- Primary Outcome [Time frame: 6-12 weeks]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Secondary Outcomes [Time frame: 6-12 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Board-certified dermatologists, photobiologists, or clinicians/researchers with ≥5 years of relevant experience.
Regular involvement in advising on photoprotection, skin cancer prevention, or UV-related dermatology.
Engagement in research, guideline development, teaching, or professional society activities related to dermatology, photobiology, or public health.
Willingness and availability to participate in all Delphi rounds.
Exclusion criteria
- Non-dermatology or non-photobiology specialists without relevant experience.
Less than 5 years of relevant clinical or research experience.
Limited or no experience with photoprotection counseling or research.
Significant undisclosed conflict of interest related to sunscreen or photoprotection products.
Inability or unwillingness to participate in all Delphi rounds.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
Study locations
Egypt · 1 center
- Venus Research Center — Cairo
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07296588 · Photoprotection-VRC