08 Aug 2018
With the heat of summer and the beauty of sandy beaches, you have surely been tempted to enjoy a good sunbath, sipping your cold drink or reading your favorite novel .
But have you thought about the consequences of prolonged exposure to the sun?
The sun, despite its benefits for the body, can be dangerous.
The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the skin and cause many serious diseases.
The 5 skin diseases directly related to sun exposure
Sunburn
It is a first degree burn caused by overexposure to the sun. Your skin is red, inflamed and irritated after prolonged sunbathing and without proper protection.
In this case, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories and special burn creams while recommending that you stay out of the sun until the skin returns to its normal state.
Pregnancy mask (Chloasma)
Pregnant women from the 4th month of pregnancy are advised not to expose themselves to the sun for a long time, because their hormonal impregnations are more developed and can therefore be affected by chloasma (commonly known as melasoma).
This pregnancy mask is due to hyperpigmentation of the skin, accelerated because of exposure to the sun, and which appears directly on the face (brown or gray spots) and sometimes on other areas of the body.
Skin aging
UVB (ultraviolet and infrared rays) have an impact on the skin. The aggression of the sun can accelerate the aging and deform the skin’s biological molecules. The appearance of lentigo on or senile spots are signs of aging skin. In this case, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist while reducing exposure to the sun.
Cancers (carcinomas and melanomas)
There are several types of cancer, due to the sun. Some are considered serious as squamous cell carcinoma. Others are benign, like melanoma, but the treatment can be long.
Cutaneous carcinomas appear on the skin in areas exposed to the sun. They look like moles, but often change colors and sizes.
Although they are curable but they most often reappear, starting from 60 years of age.
As soon as they appear, a dermatologist must be consulted quickly.
The allergy of the sun
When the skin is covered with red patches, with sensations of itching, we speak of lucite. It is a skin lesion caused by long exposure to the sun, leading to an allergy.
In this case, it is imperative to avoid for a few days exposure to the sun and consult a dermatologist, to prescribe the appropriate treatment and save your skin side effects of the sun. Be careful, waiting for this to happen without consulting will only make the problem worse.
How to protect yourself from the sun?
To take advantage of the sun without risks, and prevent the damage it can cause, precautionary measures are essential:
Avoid sun exposure in the middle of the day
It is essential to avoid exposure to the sun in the middle of the day, especially between 11 am and 3 pm During this period, the emitted rays are more intense and therefore more dangerous.
Never forget your sunscreen
Those who work outdoors, exposed to the sun for several hours, should be very careful and try to stay in the shade as often as possible without forgetting to protect the uncovered areas of the body with a high protection sunscreen.
Sunscreen is also essential on the beach. Opt for one with high protection against UVB and anti-UVA, and renew its application every two hours. This is essential because the effectiveness of a cream decreases with sweating or swimming.
The clothes are also a protection!
Clothing can also limit absorption of ultraviolet light. One can opt for shirts or long-sleeved sweaters and pants without forgetting to wear a cap or a hat with wide edges. Sunglasses with UV filters are also important to protect the eyes.
Hydrate yourself!
Never forget to drink water (at least 2 liters) throughout the day, which will boost your energy and help you fight against the heat.
Water will also moisturize your skin and therefore fight against accelerated aging.
