Sunlight can be used to treat some skin diseases, but overexposure causes sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dialated blood vessels and skin cancers.
The sun rays
Sun produces both visible and invisible rays. The invisible rays known as UVA and UVB cause suntan, sunburn and sun damage. There is no safe UV light. Harmful UV rays increases in summer, at higher altitudes, near the equator, wind and reflections from water, sand and snow. Even on cloudy days UV radiation reaches the earth and causes skin damage.Although window glass blocks UVB light, UVA rays are able to penetrate through glass.
Protection from the sun
Using sun protection will help to prevent skin damage and reduces risk of cancer. Sun protection should start with avoiding peak sun hours and dressing sensibly. The tighter the weave the more sun protection it will offer. Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen of SPF(sun protection factor) at least 15 even on cloudy days.
Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. All are labeled with SPF numbers. The higher the SPF, greater is the protection from sunburn caused by UVB rays. Broad spectrum sun screens block out both UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreens should be applied about 20 min before going outdoors. Even umbrellas do not provide complete protecting as UV rays can still bounce off sand, water and porch decks.
Effects of sun
Sunburn: – highest risk is between 10am and 4pm. It is easier to burn on a hot day but sunburn can occur on cloudy days also. If skin is exposed to sunlight for too long, redness may develop and increase up to 24 hours. Severe sunburn causes skin tenderness, pain, swelling and blistering.
Unfortunately there is no quick cure for minor sunburn. Sunburn can be treated with cool, wet compresses, baths and soothing lotions.
Tanning:-suntan is a result of skin injury. The skin protects itself from UV rays by producing more melanin. Most tanning saloons use UVA bulbs which are as harmful as sunlight. UVA rays go deeper into skin and contribute to skin cancer and premature wrinkling.
Aging: – People who work outdoors can develop thick leathery skin making them look older than they are. The sun also causes large freckles or age spots and scaly growths called actinic keratosis which may develop into cancer. Protecting children from sunlight is most important as most of our lifetime exposure occurs before the age of 20.
Wrinkles: – directly related to sun exposure. They can be intensified by smoking.
Skin Cancer: – More than 90% of skin cancer occurs on sun exposed skin. The face, neck, ears; forearms are the most common places. Three most common types of skin cancers are- Squamous cell carcinoma which appears as, scaly or raised warty growth; basal cell carcinoma and melanoma which looks like brown or black mole like patch with irregular edges.
Allergic reactions: – These reactions may show up in forms of bumps, hives, blisters or red blotches after only a short time in the sun. Some times these reactions are due to cosmetics, perfumes, plants, topical medications or drugs like birth control pills, antibiotics, and blood pressure, arthritis and depression medications.
Some diseases can be made worse by sun, including cold sores, chicken pox and lupus erythematosus.
Tips for sun protection:
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with the SPF of atleast 15 on all exposed skin including the lips even on cloudy days
- If exposed to water, either through swimming or sweating, use a water resistant sunscreen.
- Re-apply the sunscreen every 4 hours.
- Wear a broad brimmed hat and sun glasses.
- Sit in shade whenever possible.
- Wear protective tightly woven clothes.
- Plan outdoor activities early or late in the day to avoid peak sunlight hours between 10am and 4pm.
Everyone should be able to enjoy sunny days; by using a little common sense you can safely work and play outdoors without worrying too much about skin cancer or wrinkles, but if either should occur, your dermatologist has specific expertise in treatment options.
Use sunscreen, be sun smart and enjoy outing