In these days when we are overwhelmed by the extreme heat of summer, the burning and harmful rays of the sun pose a serious danger. Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Dermatology Specialist Dr. Gizem Yağcıoğlu stated that the harmful rays of the sun cause many skin diseases in the short and long term if precautions are not taken, and said, “Due to the increase in exposure to sun rays in the summer months, we see skin diseases such as sunburn, sun allergy and melasma (sunspot) more frequently. Some skin diseases, such as skin cancer and enlargement of the veins, may appear after years with the cumulative effect of sun rays. Dermatology Specialist Dr. Gizem Yağcıoğlu explained the 5 most common diseases caused by the sun on the skin and the precautions to be taken, and made important warnings and suggestions.
5 DISEASES THAT THE SUN CAUSES MOST COMMON ON THE SKIN!
SKIN CANCERS
Exposure to the harmful rays of the sun is the most important risk factor in the development of skin cancers, which have become increasingly common in recent years. Therefore, skin cancers; Stating that it is more common in those who live in areas where the sun is more intense, those who work outdoors, those with fair skin and blue eyes, and those who do not take precautions against the harmful rays of the sun, Dr. Gizem Yağcıoğlu “Skin changes called actinic keratosis, which we encounter as a result of the long-term effects of sun rays, are also important because they have the risk of developing into skin cancer in the future, although they are not malignant.” says.
SUNBURN
Sunburn, which poses a great risk especially for fair-skinned people and children, occurs due to intense exposure of the skin to the sun’s rays. Stating that sunburn can be in the form of mild redness, it can also appear in a more severe form accompanied by water-filled blisters, pain and swelling. Gizem Yağcıoğlu says: “A dermatologist should be consulted in severe sunburns and in cases accompanied by symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting. Especially in childhood and adolescence, the incidence of skin cancers called melanoma increases in people who have had severe sunburn accompanied by water-filled blisters. says.
MElasma (SUNspot)
The incidence of melasma (sunspot), which appears as brown spots on the skin, especially on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip and nose, is increasing. Sun rays take the first place among the causes of this skin disease, which is more common in people with dark skin color. Hospital admissions are also increasing due to newly developing melasma and darkening of existing melasma in summer. Therefore, sun protection is the mainstay of treatment in melasma.
PHOTOAGING
Dermatology Specialist Dr. Gizem Yağcıoğlu “Skin aging caused by the effect of the sun is called photoaging. Photoaging appears especially on the face, neck, décolleté and hands, due to the cumulative effect of long-term sun exposure. Symptoms of photoaging; wrinkles, prominent veins, sagging of the skin due to loss of skin elasticity, brown dark spots, unevenness of color on the skin, drying and coarsening of the skin. It is very important to acquire the habit of sun protection in summer and winter in order to prevent photoaging.
SUN ALLERGY
Sun allergy, especially in people who are sensitive in spring and summer, presents with symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, burning, stinging sensation on the skin due to sun exposure. Recommending that people who are prone to this avoid exposure to sun rays and use sunscreens regularly, Dr. Gizem Yağcıoğlu emphasizes that chemicals such as a plant, perfume, deodorant or cologne that increase sensitization should be avoided and that a dermatologist should be consulted in case of a possible complaint.