Sunscreen preparations marked ‘ACBS’ are regarded as drugs when prescribed for skin protection against ultraviolet radiation and/or visible light in abnormal cutaneous photosensitivity causing severe cutaneous reactions in genetic disorders (including xeroderma pigmentosum and porphyrias), severe photodermatoses (both idiopathic and acquired) and in those with increased risk of ultraviolet radiation causing adverse effects due to chronic disease (such as haematological malignancies), medical therapies and/or procedures.

For optimum photoprotection, sunscreen preparations should be applied liberally and frequently as per manufacturer instructions. As maximum protection from sunlight is desirable in patients with photodermatoses, sunscreen with the highest SPF is essential.

Prescribe sunscreen preparations with highest sun protection factor (SPF) to provide maximum protection, (protects against UVB) and 4- or 5-star rating (protects against UVA). Preparations with SPF less than 30 should not be prescribed.

Sunscreens should not be prescribed to patients who are taking a potentially photosensitising drug unless they experience drug-induced photosensitivity.

Other sunscreens must not be prescribed on the NHS, and no sunscreens should be prescribed where the ACBS criteria are not met.

Uvistat SPF 30

(UVA and UVB protection; SPF 30)

• Water resistant cream
  • Sun cream 125ml (£8.18 = 125ml)

Dose

• Apply to clean dry skin at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure
  • Reapply every two hours and after swimming, exercise or towelling dry

Uvistat SPF 50

(UVA and UVB protection; SPF 50)

• Water resistant cream
  • Sun cream 125ml (£9.28 = 125ml)
  • Lipscreen 5g (£3.49 = 5g)

Dose

• Apply to clean dry skin at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure
  • Reapply every two hours and after swimming, exercise or towelling dry