Turning an APPE assignment into an awareness opportunity

Madeline Kravitz is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies.

According to an OTC product survey conducted by Pharmacy Times, pharmacists make an average of 639,908 sunscreen recommendations per month.¹ As an APPE student completing a rotation at Stop & Shop Pharmacy in Wallingford, CT, this summer, these statistics were no surprise to me. With new sunscreen products continuously entering the market, selecting the right option has become more challenging than in the past. The large number of newly available products has made it difficult for consumers to comprehend label information and understand the precautions that should be followed for adequate sun protection.

In an attempt to alleviate some of the workflow burden that patient questions pose on pharmacy staff, I decided to turn one of my APPE site assignment requirements into an opportunity to create educational handouts about sunscreen. The handouts I created alongside my preceptor,  Elizabeth Hermenegildo, PharmD, addressed frequently asked questions the pharmacy receives about sunscreen. While public awareness of the detriments of sun exposure and the importance of sunscreen has increased, skin damage posed by overexposure still remains a significant public health threat.² As a vital member of the health care community, pharmacists play an important role in educating the public about the harmful effects of the sun.

Educational handouts serve as an easy and convenient way for pharmacists to convey this information. Here is some information that will come in handy for both you and your patients.

Why should I start?

Sunscreen is an important part of a complete sun protection strategy as it helps prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.^2,3 Without skin protection, ultraviolet rays can penetrate the layers of the skin and cause severe sun damage.^2,3

Where should I start?

Sunscreen comes in many forms, including lotions, creams, sticks, gels, oils, butters, pastes, and sprays.⁴ Forms of nonprescription sunscreen that are not authorized by FDA include wipes, towelettes, powders, body washes, and shampoos.⁴ Skin conditions, cancer risk factors (e.g., skin type and family history), and photosensitivity (e.g., medications and disorders) are some of the factors that determine the level of protection one requires.

Sunscreen application and storage

Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going outside and reapplied at least every two hours.⁴ Sunscreen containers should not be exposed to direct sun and should be kept in the shade at all times.^3,4

Expired = discard!

Expired sunscreens should be discarded, as there is no assurance that they remain safe or fully effective.⁴ Sunscreen products that have passed their expiration date should not be used, and any sunscreen products that don’t have an expiration date should be considered expired 3 years after purchase.⁴

FDA regulates sunscreen products to ensure that they meet the appropriate safety and effectiveness standards.⁴ In 2021, FDA proposed an order that outlined new sunscreen requirements.⁴ Given the recognized public health benefits of sunscreen use, it is my hope that these updates, alongside resources intended to increase sun safety awareness, encourage individuals to use sunscreen and other protective measures.

Career-enhancing rotation

Upon completion of my rotation, I have gained a greater appreciation for the complexity of community pharmacy practice. I am confident that the practical clinical skills I developed via patient education and encounters will prove beneficial as I prepare to become a practicing pharmacist.

The handouts I created have been used by the pharmacy to guide counseling sessions and promote patient engagement in interventions aimed to increase their health outcomes and quality of life. It has been rewarding to witness the level of impact these resources have had, and I plan to continue taking advantage of awareness opportunities that I come across.

References

1. Oldfield E. Sun protection: Pharmacists have the facts. Pharmacy Times. www.pharmacytimes.com/view/sun-protection-pharmacists-have-the-facts
2. Skin Cancer Foundation. All about sunscreen: Why you need it. How it works for you. Skin Cancer Foundation. www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
3. Rogel Cancer Center. Sunscreen prevents skin cancer. University of Michigan Health. www.rogelcancercenter.org/living-with-cancer/sunscreen-prevents-skin-cancer
4. FDA. Sunscreen: How to help protect your skin from the sun. FDA: U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun