Understanding the Dangers of Prolonged and Unprotected Sun Exposure

Sunlight is essential for life, but spending too much time under its rays can harm your health in several ways. While it provides some benefits such as warmth and nourishment, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to serious skin problems. Understanding these risks and taking preventive measures is crucial to enjoying the sun safely. Let’s dig into the dangers of prolonged sun exposure and learn ways you can protect your skin from its effects.

What is Skin Damage?

The sun's UV rays can change your skin over time and play a significant role in these effects:

●     UVA: Causes aging symptoms such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity. It also enhances the effects of UVB radiation, increasing the risks of skin cancer and cataracts.

●     UVB: Poses a higher risk of skin cancer compared to UVA. These rays react with melanin, the skin’s pigment, serving as the first line of defense against the sun by absorbing harmful rays.

Sunburns are another clear sign of damage, resulting in irritated or itchy skin. Even without visible blisters, sunburn can deeply harm your skin and damage your body’s ability to repair it.

Understanding Skin Cancer: What are the causes and risks?

Excessive exposure to sunlight also increases the risk of developing a type of skin cancer. This occurs when DNA in the skin cells have been damaged and leads to abnormal cell growth, resulting in the development of tumors or patches on the skin. Skin cancer typically starts as small spots and can progress if not quickly treated, especially among individuals with numerous moles or a family history of the disease.

Each year, melanoma, the most severe type of skin cancer, affects more than 68,000 Americans, while basal and squamous cell carcinomas lead to treatments for over 2 million people annually.

Melanoma

A type of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin. It often manifests as changes in moles, freckles, or normal skin patches, or the appearance of new, pigmented growths on the skin.

Signs indicating melanoma:

●     Asymmetrical shapes of moles.

●     Changes in color, size, or border of moles.

●     Itching, bleeding, or other symptoms associated with skin changes.

Even though it is typically associated with sun-exposed areas, melanoma can also develop in less exposed areas such as mucosal surfaces, eyes, or under nails.

Risk factors for developing melanoma:

●     Age: Melanoma can occur at any age but is more common in older individuals.

●     Moles: Having a large number or unusual moles can increase the risk.

●     Sun Exposure: Exposure to UV radiation is a significant risk factor for melanoma. UV radiation can lead to mutations in melanocytes' DNA, triggering uncontrolled growth and the potential spread of cancerous cells.

Carcinomas

A type of cancer that begins in the epithelial cells lining organs and tissues throughout the body. These cells, which normally create a protective layer, can become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. Carcinomas usually grow locally, developing into solid masses within the affected organ or tissue.

Signs of Carcinoma: 

●     Formation of solid masses within organs or tissues.

●     Localized growths that may affect organ function.

Risk factors for developing carcinomas:

●     Age: An increased risk is generally seen in people over 65 years old.

●     Skin type: People with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes are more susceptible due to lower levels of protective melanin in their skin.

●     Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage skin cells and increase the likelihood of developing skin-related carcinomas.

 As we wrap up, remember that protecting yourself from sun exposure is key to long-term health.

Stay tuned for future posts that wrap up our series on sun safety awareness and explore upcoming events hosted by Jemez Public Health. Be sure to check out our previous posts on sun safety and other health-related topics. Together, we can enjoy the sun responsibly while protecting our well-being.