Age Spots & Sun Damage
INTRODUCTION TO SUN DAMAGE
Soaking
up the sun’s rays used to be considered healthy…before we
learned about the dangers of ultraviolet rays. Sunlight can be used to
treat some skin diseases, but we all need to avoid overexposure to the
sun. Too much sun can cause wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes,
dilated blood vessels, and skin cancers.
- Normal Skin
-
At birth we are given a flexible, but tough, protective covering. The
skin color is unblemished and wrinkle free. It has a smooth texture and
a good elastic tone. The surface is covered with fine hair.
- Chronologic Aged Skin
-
With age, all parts of the skin diminish in size and function. The skin
becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile. Pigment cells are less active
so that the skin tans less easily. Hair becomes finer, thinner, and
gray. Despite these changes, "old" skin functions remarkably well, and
no one has died of "skin failure."
- Sun Aged Skin
-
Sunlight injures the skin, particularly the epidermis. The cumulative
effects of sun exposure are wrinkling, blotchy pigmentation and
roughness. Sun damaged skin also becomes less flexible and more easily
bruised. Finally, sun damage is the major cause of skin cancer.
The sun’s rays
The
sun produces both visible and invisible rays. The invisible rays, known
as ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), cause most of the
problems. Both cause suntan, sunburn and sun damage. There is no safe UV light.
Harmful
UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and closer
to the equator. The sun’s harmful effects are also increased by
wind and reflections from water, sand, and snow. Even on cloudy days UV
radiation reaches the earth.
Protection from the sun
While
sun damaged spots and skin cancers are almost always curable when
detected and treated early, the surest line of defense is to prevent
them in the first place. Here are some sun-safety habits that should be
part of everyone’s healthcare:
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially during the sun’s peak hours (10am to 4pm).
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat, long pants, a long sleeved-shirt, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Wear
a broad-spectum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or
higher. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply after 20
minutes and then every two hours after swimming or strenuous activity.
- Avoid tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.
- Examine your skin from head to toe every month.
- Have a professional skin examination annually.
Harmful effects of the sun
- Sunburn. Your
chances of developing a sunburn are greatest between 10AM and 4pm, when
the sun’s rays are strongest. It is easier to burn on a hot day,
because the heat increases the effects of UV rays.
Sun
protection is also important in the winter. Snow reflects up to 80
percent of the sun’s rays, causing sunburn and damage to
uncovered skin. Winter sports in the mountains increase the risk of
sunburn because there is less atmosphere the block the sun’s
rays.
If
skin is exposed to sunlight too long, redness may develop and increase
for up to 24 hours. A severe sunburn causes skin tenderness, pain,
swelling, and blistering. Additional symptoms like fever, chills, upset
stomach and confusion indicate a serious sunburn and require immediate
medical attention. If you develop a fever, your dermatologist may
suggest medicine to reduce swelling, pain and prevent infection.
Unfortunately, there is no quick cure for minor sunburn. Wet
compresses, tub baths and soothing lotions may provide some relief.
- Tanning. A
tan is often mistaken as a sign of good health. Dermatologists know
better. A suntan is actually the result of skin injury. Tanning occurs
when UV rays enter the skin and it protects itself by producing more
pigment or melanin. ndoor tanning is just as bad for your skin as
sunlight. Most tanning salons use ultraviolet-A bulbs and studies have
shown that UVA rays go deeper into the skin and contribute to premature
wrinkling and skin cancer.
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