Sunlight exposure and skin thickness measurements as a function of age: Risk factors for melanoma

Abstract

Epidermal thickness is used for studying tissue weight, protein, and/or DNA content since epidermal metabolism occurs at the level of single keratinocytes [1] and varies significantly over anatomic sites but not significantly from person to person [2]. Epidermal thickness is greater in males than in females [2] and can be further evaluated in regard to risk factors for melanoma. In fact, centuries ago, heliotherapy via intense sun exposure was used to treat illness [3]. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.