M.Sc. Dr. Alberto Quirantes Hernández
Master of Science and Consulting Professor
Head of the Endocrinology Service
Teaching Hospital Dr. Salvador Allende
Havana Cuba
Havana, Cuba.- Summer and sunSummer and sunIn general, people enjoy the sun. In other times it was even worshiped as a deity. For some people being tanned by the sun has become a sign of distinction. It is the equivalent of getting allowed himself the luxury of spending a holiday on the beach on summer days.
However, an exaggerated exposure to the sun can bring unpleasant consequences.
The skin can be affected and it accelerates the aging process as well as decreases the ability of the skin to retain water and weaken its elasticity and firmness; But the most important risk for those who are exposed excessively to the sun is to present a melanoma or skin cancer.
GETTING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SUN
Sunlight travels to Earth as a mixture of visible and invisible rays or waves. Solar radiation is of three types: luminous, caloric and ultraviolet (UV); the latter are those that stimulate the synthesis of a pigment known as “melanin”.
Melanin tans our skin as a reaction to protect it from ultraviolet radiation and these waves are the possible causes of the problems.
THE ULTRAVIOLET RAYS
With an excessive exposure to the sun, which is the main risk factor, an exaggerated amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin cells and damage the genetic material known as DNA found inside them.
There is an excessive production of melanin as a defense mechanism, and skin alterations can occur and the aging process accelerates.
This continued damage to the DNA can produce changes in the cells and make them grow and divide quickly. This growth may result in additional cell groups known as tumors that may be malignant or benign.
MELANOMA AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The more pigmented the skin of a man, the lower the risk of developing a cancerous tumor. Although people of all races and colors can suffer from skin cancer.
Very white-colored people with blond hair , light eyes, freckles, moles or spots should be careful; they make less melanin than normal and, therefore, are less protected from the sun’s UV rays.
Melanoma is usually curable in a large proportion. This skin cancer may appear at the beginning as a small spot on the skin. Some may extend deeply into the surrounding tissues and also into other organs of the body.
There are two other types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the least common, approximately 5 percent, but the most serious.
THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST THE RAYS OF THE SUN
Anyone can bathe on the beach or in a pool. But the best way to protect the skin health and prevent cancer at this level is to limit exposure to the sun. People should avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and prefer to be in the shade instead of being exposed directly to it.
Appropriate clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen can be worn between 10 o’clock in the morning and 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Sunscreen is especially important to use between these hours, because it is when the sun’s rays are most intense.
The time to start protecting yourself from the sun is not when you reach adulthood, but years before. That’s why now is the time to start protecting children against skin damage from too much exposure to the sun, explaining what they need to know about it; they will probably have many more years of sun exposure in the course of their lives.
Among other things, children and adolescents should be taught to avoid the use of tanning beds.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE OZONE HOLE
The earth is covered by an ozone layer, located in the highest regions of the atmosphere; creates a protective shield against the most harmful solar ultraviolet rays.
The destruction of the ozone layer was detected for the first time in 1985 and can have catastrophic consequences in the long run. This layer of ozone is decreasing due to industrial activity and, as a consequence, the level of ultraviolet radiation has increased.
SUN AND VITAMIN D
Many people are advised to look for the sun as a source of vitamin D, but do not overdo it. People need very little exposure; It is enough getting it between 10 or 15 minutes per day on the back of the hands, arms and face.
You can also get vitamin D through a healthy diet or dietary supplements.
It is not advisable to avoid the sunlight and live between shadows and darkness; but an intelligent behavior in front of the sun is a good thing. The skin is an important part of our body and we must take care of it with concern, not only for aesthetics but also for health.
http: //www.cubahora.cu/blogs/consultas-medicas/verano-y-sol
Translated by: Lic. Vilma Jay
Degree in English
Language Chair of English
Faculty of Medicine Dr. Salvador Allende