Computational simulations of ultraviolet radiation penetration into human skin

Abstract

This thesis concerns the development of numerical modelling simulations to predict how ultraviolet radiation (UVR) penetrates into human skin in a wavelength dependent manner. UVR has biological effects; for example, UVR causes damage to DNA within skin cells, and these effects are wavelength dependent. A Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer (MCRT) model was developed in order to simulate the transport of UVR from different radiation sources through the upper layers of human skin. Using the results of these simulations, the depth to which different wavelengths of UVR penetrate can be examined, and then resulting biological effects can be predicted.

The research presented here quantifies DNA damage occurring due to sunbed use, investigates the protective effects of melanin and sunscreen, investigates potential novel lamps for psoriasis treatment and examines the safety of UVR sterilisation devices. In addition, research is presented from practical work, evaluating the performance of a handheld UVR meter when used to measure UVR output from commercial sunbeds.