The Dangers of Sun Damage and Skin Cancer
Saturday, January 24th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
How can something we love hurt us so much? That something is of course the sun. It can be confusing when doctors talk about the dangers of not getting enough sun, versus the dangers of getting too much sun. In fact, a study came out last year saying that people who worked indoors were more likely to develop skin cancer from artificial lighting. This year, a study claims that working the night shift can disrupt the circadian rhythm and natural melatonin production to increase the risk of cancer. While it may be confusing to cut through the research on sun damage, one thing is for sure: you’re playing with fire if you spend hours unprotected in the midday sun!
Sun damage isn’t just manifested in sunburns or blisters. There are other effects that are more subtle but just as dangerous in the long run. For instance, deep wrinkles, dryness, freckles, mottled pigmentation and skin transparency are a few symptoms of sun damage. A yellow discoloration, known as “sallowness”, Telagiectasias, known as the dilation of small blood vessels beneath the skin, or Elastosis, known as the damaging of the elastic tissue that causes lines and wrinkles are telltale signs that skin solutions should be sought. Worst case scenario, pre-cancerous lesions appear as a result of the skin’s diminished immune function, which may also lead to full-blown cancer.
Though breast cancer and lung cancer get all the media publicity, skin cancer caused by sun damage is the most predominant. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Ninety-five percent of all skin cancers are the basal cell and squamous cell types. Luckily, they are less serious and are very treatable if detected early. Seventy-five percent of all skin cancer deaths are a result of melanoma, which occurs when abnormal pigment cells (melanocytes) grow uncontrollably. What may start as skin cancer can spread to other organs and manifest itself as all sorts of cancerous mutations.
Researchers indicate that 80% of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is acquired before 18 years of age. Therefore, it’s extremely important that parents teach sun damage prevention tactics early-on. Kids should wear hats, tight-knit clothing and sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and have limited exposure from noon to 3pm. As a parent, you needn’t be the “Sun Damage Nazi,” but rather, just be aware of the potential dangers and play it safe.
A note from the Author – ‘Harry R’ is a writer for BotoxInjection-Facts.com who offer information and advice on a range Botox Injection related subjects. With a lot of great information on Botox alternatives, plus reviews of the latest Botox Creams.
Like this post? Publish It On Your Own Blog
Technorati Tags: No Tags
Related Tags: No Tags
Possible Related Posts
Tobacco Companies Hide Dangers of Smoking For YearsHow Excessive Sun Damage Relates To Skin CancerHeed The Warnings: Protect Your Skin From The Sun
