Korean J Dermatol.  2010 Sep;48(9):766-770.

A Study for UV Protection Degree of Genital Protection Materials

• Choi SC
• Lee DY
• Lee JH
• Yang JM
• Lee ES

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Genital skin cancer is a potential side effect of phototherapy. Development of genital skin cancer lowers a patient's quality of life. However, there are no standards for genital protection during phototherapy. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to find adequate materials for genital protection.
METHODS
Eight common materials for genital protection were placed over an ultraviolet (UV) meter that was irradiated with UVA and narrowband UVB phototherapy units. The percentage of blocked UV was measured.
RESULTS
White and black cotton underwear, white and black polyester underwear, and surgical drapes did not allow the transmission of UVA and narrowband UVB light. But a surgical mask allowed about 15% transmission of UV light.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that white and black cotton underwear, white and black polyester underwear and surgical drapes provide sufficient UV protection.

Keyword

Genital protection; Phototherapy

MeSH Terms

Humans
Light
Masks
Phototherapy
Polyesters
Quality of Life
Skin Neoplasms
Surgical Drapes
Ultraviolet Rays
Polyesters