Scientists at the University of Manchester dispelled the myth on Thursday that people with black skin are largely protected from sun damage.
The skin of white people caused by repeated exposure to the sun also occurs in black skin, though about 50 years later, according to new research.
It has long been known that prolonged exposure to the sun causes premature ageing in the skin of white people, but it has been thought black skinned people are largely protected from sun damage because of a high content of pigment.
The study of people in their early 20s, 60s and 70s is the first to analyse how skin structure and elasticity changes with age in black people.
Lead researcher, Dr Abigail Langton from The University of Manchester, said: “we know repeated exposure to the sun can age white skin, but very little research has been carried out on black people.
“This research shows that black skin is indeed affected by the sun, though it takes far longer for that effect to be felt,’’ she said.
The research was carried out in partnership with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.
The team analysed two skin sites: the buttock, which is protected from sun damage and the forearm, which receives regular exposure to the sun.
They used special equipment to test the elasticity of skin and measured key proteins that help skin health, fibrillin and collagen.
Protected black buttock skin performed similarly in both young and old people; the older cohort showed only small differences in elasticity.
However, the sun-exposed forearm skin showed significant changes in older black volunteers; it was much less elastic and fibrillin and collagen were reduced.
Prof. Rachel Watson, from the University of Manchester, said: “our previous work has shown that there are differences in how the skin is organised in black and white skin; clinicians are often unaware of this difference.
“There is certainly a need to take this into account when considering treatment options for all patients.
“Most research is carried out in places where there are fewer people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, which might explain the lack of data on black skin.’’
Watson said the study highlights the need for improved public health advice, regarding the consequences of prolonged sun-exposure and the importance of using sun protection for all skin types.
The study is published in the latest edition of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. (Xinhua/NAN)
PRESIDENT BIO DECLARES A NATIONAL EMERGENCY ON RAPE
President Bio, today declared a National Emergency on rape and sexual base violence. This is in line with the President’s passion to empower and protect women, and also in response to the massive awareness campaign during the launch of the First Lady Fatima Maada Bio’s flagship programme themed “Hands Off Our Girls” in December 2018.
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The historic peaceful protest march in December, organised by the Office of the First Lady, and Ministry of Social welfare, brought together First Ladies from different countries in Africa. The protest was against gender based violence, with emphasis on rape.
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The issue was brought to the forefront of every government and non-governmental agencies. Child Right activists, organisations working for the protection of children, civil society organisations, the Sierra Leone Police and members of the fourth estate were further empowered to apply more pressure on the government.
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Delivering her vote of thanks at the declaration ceremony, Her Excellency, Madam Fatima Bio expressed her appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for listening to the voices of his people, while disclosing that, her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign is a cause she championed to support the president’s agenda, as the issue of rape is a priority in the new direction.
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She furthered that, rape is unacceptable and should be frowned at in society, while calling on women to not only help in the prosecution process, but to name and shame perpetrators found guilty before sending them to prison, as ‘We should not condole rapists, as they are bad people and what we should do is to name and shame them’, madam First Lady stated.
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His excellency Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio in his declaration speech, highlighted in addition to the National emergency on rape and sexual violence the following:
#Free medical services at all government hospitals for rape victims.
#A special division of rape and sexual assault be set up by the Sierra Leone Police to expedite all matters of rape and sexual penetration of minors, separate from the Family support unit.
#The Hon. Chief Justice considers creating a special division with assigned judges to deal with cases of rape and sexual violence.
# With immediate effect, Sexual penetration offences is punishable by life imprisonment
#The high court should consider the 136 proceedings in high court, in-order to speed up prosecution and trials in all new cases of rape and sexual violence.
#The law officers department should consider to charging all persons accused of rape and sexual violence with an additional offence of aggravated assault.
#A dedicated National emergency telephone number for reporting rape and sexual violence will be made available to the public in due course.
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Madam Fatima Bio thanked the Rainbow initiative, Don Bosco Fambul, Family support unit and the Asmaa James Foundation for their unflinching support, while calling on women to champion the course for better result and in ensuring that the women and children of Sierra Leone have a safe haven.