Abstract
The Irish are generally considered to have a fair complexion. We surveyed the distribution of skin type in an Irish city population (n = 1000). Skin type prevalence was as follows: type 1: 26%, type 2: 49.6%, type 3: 19.7%, type 4: 4.3%, type 5: 0.3%, type 6: 0.1%. Sunbeds were used by 16% of the population. Malignant melanoma occurred in 1.4% of patients, non-melanoma skin cancer in 6%. The high frequency of sunbed use in a fair skinned population and the high incidence of skin cancer is disturbing and highlights the need for ongoing public health education regarding ultraviolet radiation risks.
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Gibson, G.E., Codd, M.B. & Murphy, G.M. Skin type distribution and skin disease in Ireland. I.J.M.S. 166, 72–74 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02944190
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02944190