Summer is coming! You can spend the days when your skin will be more exposed to diseases triggered by sunlight in a healthy way by using correct and effective methods. Especially if you have white skin, you should definitely read this article...
When the skin is exposed to excessive sunlight, it absorbs the incoming rays and some of them are reflected outside without damaging the skin, while some of them are reflected to the cells and tissues. It may cause some reactions on the skin by damaging the tissues. Stating that the damage resulting from these reactions occurs in the DNA structure, which is the most sensitive part to sunlight, and that some diseases are triggered by sunlight that causes serious damage, Anadolu Health Center Skin Diseases Specialist Dr. Figen Akın; “Sometimes a person may be prone to these diseases, and these skin diseases occur as a result of exposure to the sun. "Skin diseases caused by sunlight may be related to the person's immune system or may be hereditary," he says. For example,alsosome dermatological diseases may increase due to the harmful effects of sunlight. Among these; He states that skin diseases such as acne, seborrheic eczema, rosacea, which is a type of acne that causes red spots, vitiligo, psoriasis, and diseases caused by the person's own immune system are among the most frequently observed problems.
Attention to "photodermatosis" caused by the sun!
Photodermatoses, which generally occur a few minutes or 1-2 hours after sun exposure at the beginning of summer and the last months of spring, are a problem more common in women in their 20s and 30s. Additionally, some scientific publications show that this problem is observed in 70% of genetically predisposed people. Dr. Akın says that the most important symptom of photodermatoses, which can sometimes spread to covered areas such as the abdomen or upper legs, is itching. It may occur without rash and only itching, or it may occur with raised, red, itchy lesions on the skin. It's happening. At the end of the healing period, which is 1 to 2 days, there is no scar left on the skin. In rare cases, photodermatoses; It may also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, headache and vomiting.
How is it treated?
Dr. emphasizes that for the treatment of skin diseases, it is necessary to first effectively protect from the sun. Akın points out that not only sunscreen creams but also physical sunscreens such as hats, sunglasses, light-colored and anti-sweating clothes are extremely important for protection, especially during summer periods. Dr. states that if the lesions are not very widespread and are in limited areas, some cortisone-containing creams are used. Akın also underlines that in severe, widespread or resistant patients, some immunosuppressive drugs such as systemic corticosteroids, PUVA treatments, cyclosporine and azathioprine are used. Dr. Another issue that Akın emphasizes is vitamin D: “Sunlight is an important need of our body for the synthesis of vitamin D, which is the protector of some cancer diseases. For this reason, we should expose our arms and legs naked to the sun for 15 to 20 minutes in the morning or evening hours 3 days a week.”
“Itching and rash may occur when exposed to the sun. In this case, you should definitely consult a physician and necessary precautions should be taken according to the diagnosis of the disease.”
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WHO ARE MORE SHOULD IT BE PROTECTED?
Intermittent and intense exposure to sunlight in children increases the risk of skin cancer called "melonoma" in older ages. Especially children, pregnant women and the elderly should be protected more carefully from sunlight. In the elderly, when the person is not adequately protected from sunlight, sunspots caused by ultraviolet rays on the skin can make it easier to see skin tumors, which are precursors of skin cancer. The risk of skin diseases triggered by ultraviolet is slightly higher in women than in men. In pregnant women who are experiencing a period when the immune system is already suppressed, they need to get enough sunlight. When adequate protection is not provided, skin diseases such as herpes may occur and diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo may increase.
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WHEN BUYING SUN PROTECTION…
-Protective cream Be sure to consult a physician before taking it.
-The majority of photodermatoses occur under the influence of ultraviolet A. Therefore, to protect yourself from the sun, choose sunscreens with a high factor that protect against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B. Stay away from sunscreens that contain a substance called "paba".
-Choose products with 30 SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for your children. Never use sunscreen on babies under six months.
-The "Star" symbol on sunscreens recently shows the protection rate from ultraviolet A. According to this; 1 star means lower than ultraviolet A, and 4 stars means effective protection.
-In addition to dermocosmetic sunscreens, moisturizers containing retinoic acid, vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acid and phenolic acid should be used to protect against the harmful rays of the sun. Its additional use can be beneficial in both delaying the signs of aging caused by sunlight on the skin and eliminating its harmful effects.
Mini information
SPF
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ) is a value calculated by taking into account the rate of redness caused by skin applied with sunscreen containing ultraviolet B protection, compared to skin that has not been applied. If a person does not apply it, redness occurs within 5 minutes. Accordingly, for skin that turns red in 5 minutes to stay in the sun for 150 minutes, it must use sunscreen with at least 30 SPF protection factor and renew it after 3 hours.
Graph
The frequency of photodermatoses in some countries
Skin in photodermatoses While the clarity of the type increases the incidence of the disease; In Turkey, the dominant dark skin reduces the incidence of the disease.
THE MOST IMPORTANT TREATMENT: "EFFECTIVE" PROTECTION FROM THE SUN...
-Especially either Wear a hat, sunglasses and choose light-coloured, sweat-free clothing during periods of time.
-Take high doses of vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidant vitamins, as well as supplements such as alpha lipoic acid.
-Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure so that it can be absorbed by the skin and show its effect. Be sure to reuse after contact with water such as sea or pool.
-If possible, avoid going out in the sun between 11.00-16.00 on summer days when the sunlight is vertical.
-Do not stay too close to sand, sea and buildings with surface reflective properties.
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