The Effect of Subcutaneous Fat Volume on Sunburn

Abstract

Abstract Importance: Excessive exposure to sunlight is common in people's lives, which will lead to sunburn and even some skin diseases. Although previous researches have explored many relevant factors for sun damage, not much is known about what effect subcutaneous fat volume has on sun damage. Objective Our study aims to show the effect subcutaneous fat volume has on sun damage and try to explain the mechanism behind. Method, Setting: Our Cross-sectional study conducted with individuals aged 20–59 at NHANES during 2017–2018. The total of 2373 participants were divided into two groups according to the degree of sun damage. Then we analyzed data by constructing three multivariable linear regression models and smooth curve fitting. Participants: We collected data of individuals’ degree of reaction to the same sun exposure, subcutaneous fat volume, age, gender, race and other essential factors during 2017–2018 at baseline (n = 5286). We excluded participants with missing answers of subcutaneous fat volume (n = 1868), missing answers of skin reaction to sun after non-exposure (n = 920) and missing answers of other factors (n = 125). The rest participants were divided into two groups according to the degree of sun damage. Exposure: After several months of not being in the sun, the participants were exposed to the sun without sunscreen or protective clothing for half an hour. Main Outcome and Measure: The result showed that the person who has more serious skin reaction to sun is likely to have less subcutaneous fat volume. The association remained significant among both gender groups and various subgroups defined by race. Conclusion The person who has more serious skin reaction to sun is likely to have less subcutaneous fat volume. It will make people more aware of the role of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the protection of the dermis, epidermal layer and in sun protection. Give some ideas to the research of the function of subcutaneous adipose tissue.