PERSONAL HEALTH : SHOP TALK : Spotting Patches of Sunburn Concern

Health-conscious sun worshipers--already bogged down with beach bags full of sunglasses and sunscreen--might consider throwing in one more item: Sun Spots.

The small adhesive patches, manufactured by a Delaware firm, are promoted as an easy way to determine when sunscreen has worn off. Sunbathers slather the same amount of sunscreen on the patch as themselves and place it on their skin or a nearby beach towel. “When the sunscreen wears off, the spot turns red,” says a company spokeswoman. A 10-pack costs $2.98, a 20-pack is $3.98.

Dr. Carl S. Korn, a Sherman Oaks dermatologist and a USC clinical assistant professor of medicine, says the spots probably work. “And I guess they’re cheaper than buying a watch, unless you can find one with an alarm for 99 cents. But he wonders: “Will people go to the trouble to use these spots?”