Higher Mortality rates from melanoma are observed in Hispanic populations than non-Hispanic White (NHW) populations. Thus improved sun safety Interventions are needed. A camera named The Reveal Imager uses standard cross-polarized flash photography to record surface and subsurface skin conditions.

A study determined the intervention’s effectiveness in increasing awareness of sun damage and exposure reduction between Hispanic and NHW populations. 

322 participants, aged ≥18 years, were enrolled for the study.

Baseline information included demographics, sun exposure, and perception of risk factors, followed by capturing a facial image employing the Reveal Imager.

Participants were explained with the results and counselled on sun safety, followed by participating in an immediate postage survey. 

The following were the observations-

• 89% Hispanic participants, at follow-up, reported that viewing the UV photoaged image influenced intent-to-change sun protection behaviors, compared to 73% NHW participants. 
• 68% of Hispanic participants reported that they intended to increase sunscreen use, compared to only 34% of NHW participants.

Thus Reveal Imager can be best used for educating and risk assessment, which is especially beneficial in motivating intention to change sun exposure among Hispanic populations.

SOURCE- Bonnell LN, Obi N, Miller K, Hu S, Dellavalle R, Cockburn M. Intent to Change Sun-Protective Behaviors Among Hispanic People After a UV Photoaging Intervention: Cohort Study. JMIR Dermatol 2022;5(1):e33339. doi: 10.2196/33339