Date: {{$ActivityAssignDate}}

Dear Dr. {{$doctorName}},

Subject:Participation in surveillance “Utilization of sunscreens for various skin types & skin conditions”

Sunscreens are a constantly evolving component of the dermatologist’s therapeutic armamentarium. Sun exposure is related to deleterious effects, such as tanning, sunburn, early aging, pigmentation, dryness and acne vulgaris.

There are two known types of sunscreens depending on one of two mechanisms: Ultraviolet (UV) blocking and UV absorbing. UV-blocking agents typically contain titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide, which provide physical filtering against UV light and tend to be chalky in consistency. UV-absorbing agents, on the other hand, are chemical agents commonly found in an aqueous base. For at-risk patients, the recommendation is to use a broadspectrum photo rotecting agent with UVB and UVA filter (sun protection factor 30–50 and protective clothing when exposed to the sun).

To maintain the health and vitality of skin, one needs to take care of it. One crucial aspect of skincare is choosing the right sunscreen that suits your skin type. For an acne-prone skin is prone to breakouts and requires non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog pores or exacerbate acne. In dry skin it is better to opt for a moisturizing sunscreen with hydrating texture. In an oily skin better to go for non-comedogenic sunscreens labelled as “matte”. Physical sunscreens are basically recommended for individuals with melasma or hyperpigmentation, which can block UV rays & on top of this, the right amount of SPF required in sunscreen to protect skin. In practice most of the Dermatologists generally recommends SPF 50 for UVB protection.

India is a tropical country with a lower literacy rate among peoples and less awareness about self-care despite an in increase in outdoor work. There is a lack of recent real-world evidence on use of sunscreens for various skin types and skin indications in India.

This retrospective, cross-sectional Multicenteric surveillance is planned to evaluate the utilization of sunscreens for various skin types and skin conditions.

We invite you to participate in this surveillance. On acceptance, you will need to capture the relevant data as mentioned in the standard Data Collection Form (DCF) provided, from the patient’s medical records (case papers and investigational reports – hereafter referred as source documents).

We would recommend you to capture data fulfilling the criteria as outlined in the protocol. We wish to inform you that the DCF will capture all data in de-identified form and any identifiable parameters which may potentially disclose the identity of the patient such as name or address will strictly not be captured so as to ensure we maintain patient confidentiality. We would encourage you to carefully fill all available information to the fullest as recommended in the DCF.

In alignment with good clinical research practices, an independent CRO may monitor this surveillance and do the source data verification of the data captured in the DCF with copies of the patients’ source medical records (case papers and investigational reports) to ensure that the data entered in the DCFs are accurate and in alignment with the patients’ medical records.

If you agree to participate in the said surveillance, we would request you to sign and return the enclosed reply along with your visiting card for accuracy of records.