Exposure to the sun has a number of negative results, including premature aging skin and wrinkles, age spots and an increased risk of skin cancer. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic report that over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays damage the fibers in the skin called elastin. As the fibers break down, the skin begins to sag and become more prone to bruising and tearing. The sun and skin cancer also are closely related as the skin breaks down and loses its natural immunities.
Skin Cancer
Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic report that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and the number of cases continues to rise. Skin cancer occurs when abnormal skin cells multiply and grow in a haphazard, rapid manner after cumulative exposure to ultra-violet rays. Tumors result from this rapid cell growth and can be malignant or benign. Malignant skin cells are cancerous. Most skin cancer is less serious and falls under the heading of non-melanoma skin cancer, which is easily treated if caught early. Melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer. Left untreated, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and lead to death.
The Sun
The sun is the major cause of skin cancer due to UV radiation poisoning of the skin. Tanning beds are another source of the dangerous UV rays. Sun exposure reacts in a cumulative manner over the years, causing eventual non-melanoma tumors. Severe sunburns before the age of 18 can lead to more serious melanoma skin cancer later in life.
Risks
People with light skin, fair hair and freckles are more prone to skin cancer than people with more melanin in their skin. While blonds and redheads are more susceptible to the harmful UV rays, dark-haired individuals also can get skin cancer. People with a family history of skin cancer are more prone to the disease, as are those who work outdoors or live in tropical climates. People who contract melanoma tend to have a history of severe sunburns as well as a number of irregularly shaped moles.
Signs
The most immediate sign of skin cancer from sun exposure is unusual changes in the skin, which may include a new mole or lesion or changes in an existing mole. Non-melanoma skin cancer often appears on the neck and face because those areas typically receive the most exposure to sunlight. Non-melanoma skin cancer may present as small white bumps or as lesions that are flat, red and itchy. Melanoma, also more common on areas that receive continuous exposure, appears as a pigmented patch of skin that may resemble a mole with irregular borders.
Prevention
While sun damage is typically irreversible, steps can be taken to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of getting skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 when outside. Sunscreen should be used year-round because winter sun can be just as damaging as the summer sun. The UV rays are most damaging between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and should be avoided when possible. Performing regular skin exams can help catch skin cancer early. And because most skin damage is done before the age of 18, children should take extra precautions to prevent sunburn and overexposure.
