| April 2004 Phi Theta Kappa-Missouri Regional Newsletter p.5 |
| FYI Health Series Sunlight and Ultraviolet Exposure We need the sun for its light and warmth, but the sun�s ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause damage to our skin and eyes � even when it�s cloudy or overcast. What Damage Does UV Cause? The short-term results of unprotected exposure to UV rays are tanning and sunburn. A sunburn causes skin redness, tenderness, pain, and in some cases, swelling and blistering. Symptoms of more serious sunburn include fever, chills, upset stomach, and confusion. If these symptoms develop, see a doctor. The long-term effect of sunburn is more serious. UV exposure that is intense enough to cause sunburn clearly increases a person's risk of developing skin cancer. And UV exposure can increase skin cancer risk even without causing sunburn. Long-term exposure can also cause premature changes in skin including: � Aging � Wrinkles � Loss of elasticity � Dark patches (lentigos, that are sometimes called "age spots" or "liver spots") � Actinic keratoses Actinic keratoses are small (usually less than 1/4 inch) rough or scaly spots. Usually they develop on the face, ears, back of the hands, and arms of middle-aged or older people with fair skin, although they can develop on other sun-exposed areas of the skin. Although actinic keratoses grow slowly and usually do not cause any symptoms, they sometimes turn into squamous cell cancer. Besides skin cancer, the sun's UV radiation also increases the risk of cataracts and certain other eye problems, and can suppress the immune system. Are Any UV Rays Safe? There are no safe UV rays. Two main types of UV radiation reach the earth, UVA and UVB. Scientists now believe that both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin damage, including skin cancer. UVB radiation is known to cause damage to the DNA of skin cells. Skin cancers develop when this damage affects the DNA of genes that control growth and division of skin cells. Recent research has found that UVA also contributes to skin cancer formation. Artificial sources of UV light, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, may increase risk of developing skin cancer. What is the UV Index? To remind people to take precautions against the potential damage of UV exposure, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service developed the UV Index. The UV Index number, ranging from 0 to 10+, indicates the amount of UV radiation reaching the earth's surface during an hour around noon. A higher number means greater exposure to UV radiation. The UV Index is forecast daily for 58 cities, based on locally predicted conditions. It is valid only for about a 30-mile radius from the city, and, as with any forecast, local changes in cloud cover and other factors may alter actual levels experienced. Current UV Index Forecast Now let us examine how we need to �detect skin cancer.� The American Cancer Society recommends: � A monthly skin self-exam (see �How to Examine Your Skin� and �The ABCD Rule� below). � That your routine health exam include a skin examination for cancer. How to Examine Your Skin Get familiar with your skin and your own pattern of moles, freckles, blemishes, and birthmarks. Check your skin monthly, and be alert to changes in the number, size, shape, or color of spots on your skin or sores that do not heal. The best time to do this simple exam is after a bath or shower. Use a full-length and a hand mirror so you can check your skin from head to toe, noting anything new. |