Influence of Sun Protection and Linear Repair of Cutaneous Surgical Defects

Primary linear repair remains a fundamental and common means of closing skin defects; however, to date, there are no clinical studies currently within the medical literature that explore the potential influence that sunlight exposure has on the cosmetic outcome of surgical site cutaneous scars. Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential effects of sun protection on post-surgical scar cosmesis following linear repairs on sun-exposed areas of the face, hairless scalp, and neck.

It has been thought that sun exposure is associated with a higher chance of erythema and dyspigmentation in cutaneous wounds, however, this remains unproven and findings pertaining to this topic remain largely confined to animal studies. In one study, researchers found that the wounds of rats chronically exposed to UVA radiation exhibited diminished wound contraction during the healing process compared to non-irradiated controls. Another study simulated UV radiation before and after laser treatment on vascular skin lesions in groups of hairless mice. In the postoperative UV-irradiated group, the mice skin displayed significant fibrosis, slower healing, and marked hyperpigmentation. A different group of researchers explored the effect of UVA light exposure on wound pigmentation on scars with and without dry tattooing. This study found that dry tattooing with UVA light exposure demonstrated significant improvement of hypopigmented scars. The researchers of this study hypothesized that the light exposure led to an inflammation-driven hyperpigmentation response. A separate study hypothesized that UV exposure may be beneficial for wound healing by stimulating melanocyte distribution via keratinocyte-melanocyte cross-talk, and thus, preventing hypopigmentation. Irregularity in the pigmentation of healing scars remains a large insecurity of patients and has led to their desire for surgical corrections of these scars. These researchers suggested that UV exposure will promote melanin production, and thus, potentiate a protective effect against further UV damage and wound hypopigmentation.

Skin color changes provide information and clues about certain pathologies, disease progression, and patient response to treatment. Factors such as melanin vascularity contribute to skin color. Historically, this evaluation of skin color has been subjective, however, objective analysis is now possible by means of colorimeters. Cutaneous color changes can be quantified using the standardized CIELAB system, which measures color light intensity, as well as red/green and yellow/blue intensity. Following Mohs micrographic surgery, the colorimeter can be used as an objective measurement to assess scar hyperpigmentation and vascularity.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient is ≥ 18 years of age
• Patient is able to provide informed consent
• Patient is scheduled for a cutaneous excisional surgical procedure
• Cutaneous surgical wound closed via linear repair
• Surgery performed on sunlight-exposed anatomical regions (head, face, neck, hairless scalp)
• Patient is willing to return for follow-up visit to clinic

Exclusion criteria

• Patient is incarcerated
• Patient is < 18 years of age
• Patient is pregnant
• Patient unwilling to return for 3-month follow-up
• History of reaction to zinc containing sunscreen
• History of collagen vascular disease