Skin lesions from solar radiation

Sunbathing has been considered a healthy habit, but too much sun on certain skin types can cause certain problems, such as sunburns, wrinkles, pigmentation, changes in skin texture, and most importantly

The solar radiation It is made up of visible and invisible radiation. The invisible fraction of light, represented by ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, is the cause of most skin problems.

Ultraviolet rays are more intense and dangerous in summer, in areas near the equator, and at high altitudes. They can also have a significant intensity in the cloudy days (It is known that we can burn on the beach even on a cloudy day).

Certain Physical barriers like window glass let UVA through, and certain lightly woven clothes can let through up to 50% of ultraviolet light, and all of this must be taken into account.

How to avoid sun injury

• can help prevent sunlight-induced damage and reduce the risk of cancer. The first photoprotection measure should be to avoid the sun in the central hours of the day (between 10 am and 4 pm) and use appropriate clothing (physical protection). Ultimately, the well-known photoprotective creams.
• Appropriate clothing should be of a thick enough fabric, and hats or caps with a wide brim to protect the facial region. Also, sunglasses should be worn to protect the eye region.
• The umbrellas and hats They protect against UV rays that strike vertically, but not against diffuse light that is produced by reflection on water, sand and other surfaces. It must be remembered that ultraviolet rays are invisible, and it can seem to us that we are protected from the sun when in reality we are not.

Sunscreen act by absorbing or reflecting the sun's rays on the skin. They are available in the form of lip creams, lotions, gels, sprays, or sticks. The sun protection factor (SPF) is a number that should specify your ability to block UV rays. There is no perfect sunscreen.

Most are good blockers of UVB, which causes redness or solar erythema, and sunburn, but they don't cover as much UVA which is more associated with skin damage and skin cancer.

Sunscreens should have as minimum protection factor 15. People with whiter skin, with light eyes, who burn easily, may need protectors with a higher index, such as 30 or 50.

No sunscreen has a duration of action that exceeds 2 hours, even those marketed as waterproof, so must be reapplied frequently, especially in conditions of exercise and sweat, and baths in the water. In addition, it is convenient to apply them half an hour before exposure to the sun so that they are really effective.

Specific advice on sun protection

• Use a sunscreen with an index of protection 15 at least. It should be applied on all skin exposed to the sun, including the lips, and even on cloudy days.
• If you are exposed to water, whether by swimming, showering or sweating, you should use a waterproof sunscreen.
• Sunscreen should reapply every 2 hours.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses.
• I searched the shadow as far as possible.
• I carried clothes that protect you from the sun, of dense fabrics that do not let the light pass through.
• Plan your outdoor activities outside of the hours of greatest sunshine (between 10 am and 4 pm).

Consequences and skin diseases from the sun

If you have been exposed to the sun without following the recommendations to avoid injuries, you may face one of these consequences:

Sunburn

It is the most known immediate effect of the sun, and it is due to ultraviolet B. It can appear during the 24 hours following intense sun exposure. A severe burn can cause redness, pain, swelling, and even blisters. In severe cases, general symptoms such as fever, chills or stomach pain may appear, indicating urgent medical attention. There is no specific treatment for. Cold water compresses or moisturizing lotions can help.

Tan

Tanning is a late effect of sun exposure, and is generally viewed by people as a sign of good health. Dermatologists know that tanning is actually the result of damage to the skin. Our skin protects itself from excess sun by manufacturing more melanin, that's why he tans.

UVA rays from tanning salons are as harmful to the skin as sunlight, or even more, because ultraviolet A radiation is able to penetrate the skin to a greater depth, and is responsible for skin cancer.

Aging and wrinkles

People who have spent years of their lives working outdoors develop a more pronounced aging of the skin, with a greater damage to the texture and elasticity of the skin, greater formation of wrinkles and spots.

Skin cancer

It is well known that sunlight is a factor involved in causing skin cancer, both basal and squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. 90% of these cancers appear in areas of the skin exposed to the sun: the face, neck, ears, hands and forearms.

Allergic reactions

Some people develop. In some cases, these reactions can appear after exposure to the sun.

Symptoms can be red patches, blisters, or hives, located in areas where the sun touches, such as the face, décolleté, arms and hands. Sometimes these reactions are caused by allergies to plants, drugs or cosmetics, which is necessary.

It is especially important to protect yourself from solar radiation to avoid injury to our skin. Therefore, at the slightest sign of a foreign spot or mole on the skin, it is advisable to go to the dermatologist to have it analyzed. In this case, he is presented as a good option to have the best specialists at the times when we need him most.