[Improving textile sun protection by regular washing of clothing].

Abstract

The highest priority in the prevention of malignant tumors of the skin is given to the avoidance of sun-induced reddening of the skin and sunburn at any age. The usual recommendation is to keep out of the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, wear a sun-hat and appropriate clothing, and use a sun screen (UV-A and UV-B) that doesn't wash off on exposed skin and when in the water. With regard to the wearing of clothing protecting against UV radiation, compliance must be expected to be low, since just such protective clothing (in particularthick, densely-woven materials) is unsuitable for the summer. Using detergents containing a UV absorber in the home wash, even light summer wear can be made to offer good UV protection.