Vitamin D supply: from sun or pill? - Attitudes and recommendation on vitamin D and impact on sun protection practices among German general practitioners evaluated by the network of dermato-oncologists, Onkoderm e.V.

Reinhold,Uwe; Dirschka,Thomas; Hartgens,Klaus; Kirchesch,Herbert; Ostendorf,Rolf; Petering,Holger; Prieur,Hanspeter; Krähn-Senftleben,Gertraud; Malaisse,Willy  J.

doi:10.3892/ol.2012.939

December 2012 Volume 4 Issue 6

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December 2012 Volume 4 Issue 6

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Article

Vitamin D supply: from sun or pill? - Attitudes and recommendation on vitamin D and impact on sun protection practices among German general practitioners evaluated by the network of dermato-oncologists, Onkoderm e.V.

Authors:
- Uwe Reinhold
- Thomas Dirschka
- Klaus Hartgens
- Herbert Kirchesch
- Rolf Ostendorf
- Holger Petering
- Hanspeter Prieur
- Gertraud Krähn-Senftleben
- Willy J. Malaisse
View Affiliations / Copyright

Affiliations: Department of Dermatology and Dermatological Oncology, Medical Center Bonn Friedensplatz, Bonn, Germany , Dermatology Practice, Düsseldorf, Germany, Onkoderm e.V. Headquarters, Fürstenwalde/Spree, Germany, Dermatology Practice, Köln, Germany, Dermatology Practice, Mönchengladbach, Germany, Dermatology Practice, Hildesheim, Germany, Dermatology Practice, Duisburg, Germany, Dermatology Practice, Blaubeuren, Germany, Laboratory of Experimental Hormonology, Brussels Free University, Brussels, Belgium
Pages: 1392-1396
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Published online on: September 26, 2012

https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2012.939
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Abstract

Recommendations concerning the intake of vitamin D and/or sunlight exposure in the handling of patients with vitamin D deficiency remain a matter of debate. The present study of the German network of dermato-oncologists (Onkoderm e.V.) refers to an inquiry conducted among general practitioners on this and related issues. Based on 448 answers provided to 10 distinct questions, the consulted physicians recommended vitamin D intake (94% replies) and/or exposure to sunlight (63% replies) in their patients with vitamin D deficiency. An average of approximately 26 min daily unprotected exposure to sunlight at midday in spring and summer was recommended. Nevertheless, 91% of the physicians considered the use of creams protecting against sunlight to be judicious. However, only 54% of physicians considered it worthwhile practice to protect oneself intensively against UV radiation. This study indicates evidence of a reduction in sun protection practices. Yet, approximately 25% of the patients were considered to present vitamin D deficiency and, hence, recommendations to prevent or correct the latter situation should not be ignored. Nevertheless, we consider that there is a need to focus messages regarding sun exposure and for continued sun protection practices. These messages should specifically focus on the vitamin D issue to ensure that the incidence of skin cancer does not increase.

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