Sun exposure can lead to mild to severe skin reactions. Ultraviolet rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun. These rays can penetrate the skin and cause severe skin problems. Melanin is a natural chemical found in the skin that protects the skin from UV rays, but melanin protection goes only so far. Too much exposure to the sun can change skin texture and cause sunburn, skin spots, premature aging and skin cancer. Protection from the sun can be found by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
Sunburn
Sunburns occur from overexposure to UV rays. They can occur at anytime during the day, even on cloudy days, because UV rays can pass through the clouds. Typically, sunburns are most problematic during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest. Sunburns result as a sign that melanin has exceeded its protection from the sun and skin damage has occurred. Any part of the body, including the eyes, scalps and lips can develop sunburn. Signs and symptoms of sunburn include red skin, tenderness, pain, rashes and fluid-filled blisters on the skin. Symptoms may not fully develop for 24 hours after sun exposure.
Age Spots
Age spots, or lentigines, can suddenly appear or gradually evolve over the years. As a reaction to UV rays, the production of melanin accelerates in the skin and extra melanin in the skin can cause sun spots. They appear as flat, brown discolorations and usually occur on areas of the skin that has had the most sun exposure such as the face, hands, back and feet. Sun spots can vary in size and appear at localized areas or cause widespread eruptions. Age spots most often occur in adults over 40 years but can affect anyone. Although harmless, sun spots should be examined by a doctor to differentiate them from skin cancer.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The American Cancer Society reports that most of the one million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer each year occur from sun damage. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the more treatable forms of skin cancer if detected early, whereas melanoma is the more dangerous form. Typically, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas occur from cumulative sun exposure and melanoma occurs from severe episodes of sunburn. Speaking to a doctor about any changes in the skin or abnormal skin sensations can assist in early detection of skin cancer.
