Sun Exposure & UV Rays: The Basic Facts

The human body benefits from sun exposure. And a little bit of tan protects you from the sun. Right? Wrong!

The body does indeed benefit from sun exposure. But a little bit of tan does not necessarily protect you from the sun. Let’s see why.

The sun’s rays are a major source of vitamin D and help the body’s systems acquire much needed calcium for building healthy bones. However, most people don’t need to spend large amounts of time exposed to the sun in order to get their required amount of vitamin D.

In fact, the body’s health can actually suffer negative effects when it’s exposed too long to the sun’s rays, especially if it’s unprotected. Results can vary from skin and eye damage to immune system suppression and ultimately cancer, even for the young.

So let’s look at the basic facts about sun exposure.

There are three kinds of invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun that reaches earth: UVA, UVB, and UVC. When these rays come in contact with our skin, affects of UVA and UVB can be - tans, burns and other reactions (e.g. like acne and cancer).

It’s also notable that the effects of all UV rays are not the same. Depending upon the season, time of day and place on the planet in relation to the sun - (i.e. your altitude and latitude), the rays’ intensities vary. For example, during summertime, UV rays are at their strongest. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the rays are strongest. And close to the equator and at high altitudes (where air and cloud cover are less, resulting in increased harmful penetration of UV rays into the environment), the rays are also strongest.

In order to protect ourselves from the harmful UV rays, let’s look at the skin’s first defense - melanin.

Melanin is a chemical present in a variety of colors and concentrations in most people's skin that helps with defense from the sun. Melanin reacts with UV rays and absorbs them. Or rather, to be more specific, the rays act upon melanin, causing the melanin to spread out or grow, increasing its presence in response to the sun’s exposure. The result? A ‘sun tan’. The darker the skin color, the more melanin the skin has for protection. And ‘tanning’ for darker color is included here; ‘color’ does not have to refer to just the original skin color.

A word of caution…

Tanning may look great on the surface, - but the amount and length of time a person is exposed to the sun, determines the amount of possible damage. It also determines the future risk of damage that’s likely.

For example, people who are exposed to the sun in huge doses like ship crews, field workers and beach surfers, are at higher risks for skin damage than indoor workers. What happens is that when the amount of UV exposure is greater than what the skin's melanin can handle, sunburn can result. And those with lighter, fairer skin, who have less melanin, absorb less UV, suffering less protection.

Since research has shown that UV damage from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, (with as high as 20% of some populations developing skin cancer during their lifetime), we need to take a proactive approach in relation to sun exposure to avoid harmful skin damage.

As we say colloquially here in Australia - “Slip, Slop, Slap”. (I.e. ‘Slip’ on a shirt, ‘Slop’ on a hat, ‘Slap’ on a sunscreen). Look after the skin you’ve got, because you’re the one who will be living with it!

Angela Perin is author of the comprehensive new guide "Your Personal Guide to Tanning" - covering everything from your skin, uv light & sun-tanning, to sunburn, skin cancer, sunburn, sun protection and sunless tanning. Discover Safe Tan - The Ultimate Experience in Natural Sunless Tanning and download your free copy of this guide including bonus homemade recipes for sunburn relief, sunscreen and exfoliation!

New Approach Prevents Skin Cancer Using Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Every year there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. One in 5 Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. 90% of skin cancers are caused by excessive sun exposure, yet fewer than 33 percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use sun protection.

Cancer prevention and early detection techniques could eliminate up to 100,000 cancer cases and 60,000 US cancer deaths each year. New technologies in the evaluation and treatment of sun damaged skin could have a positive impact on changing these statistics.

The same sunny weather that attracts so many tourists and new residents to the sun-belt also increases the risk of skin cancer. The effects of chronic sun exposure result in superficial sun spots that are visible and also invisible changes that occur under the skin’s surface. Ultraviolet photography and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are two recent developments that should help in the early detection and treatment of both types of pre-cancerous skin lesions.

Early Detection with UV Photography Ultraviolet (UV) photography offers a very useful screening tool to help the skilled physician detect sun damaged skin that may not be visible upon a routine examination. Visual inspection can only detect changes on the skin’s surface, but damage due to sun exposure occurs beneath the outer layer of skin,

The UV camera briefly shines ultraviolet light on the face. UV light is able to penetrate 1.5-2.0 millimeters under the visible dead layer of skin and focus on the actual living portion where sun damage originates. The advantage to the doctor and the patient is that this technology allows for much earlier detection of skin problems before they develop into pre-cancers that are visible on the skins surface. After finishing the treatment plan, the doctor should take another UV photo to verify the treatment efficacy. UV photography also helps evaluate other skin conditions including acne, oil balance, hydration, inflammation, growths, fungi, pH, and thin skin due to reduced collagen which makes it an ideal tool to evaluate all problem skin.

After the damage to the deeper layers of skin, superficial signs of sun damage may eventually appear on the surface. The most common surface lesion is known as actinic keratoses (AK). AKs usually appear as rough or scaly patches. They may also flake, crust, and may temporarily disappear and then return.

An AK is most likely to appear on the face, ears, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders, and lips - the parts of the body most often exposed to sunshine. The scaly patch may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, or a combination of these…or the same color as your skin.

It is estimated that 10-20% of untreated AKs will develop into squamous cell cancers. If treated early, almost all AKs can be eliminated without becoming skin cancers. If you have AKs, it indicates that you have sustained sun damage and have a higher risk for developing all types of skin cancer - not just squamous cell carcinoma.

The more keratoses a person has, the greater the chance that one or more may turn into skin cancer. People may also have up to 10 times as many subclinical (invisible) lesions as visible, surface lesions. These invisible lesions were undetectable until the development of the UV camera.

Treatment options The most common treatment options for AKs have traditionally involved topical ointment 5-FU (Effudex), laser resurfacing, or chemical peels. To avoid the prolonged recovery period and possible scarring associated with these techniques, photodynamic therapy has been developed.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the treatment of choice for the invisible deeper sun damage as well as the visible pre-cancerous AK lesions. PDT involves a two step process that has been proven effective in clinical testing. This treatment cleared 100% of the AKs in 2/3 of the patients after one treatment.

The first step is the application of a topical solution called Levulan. Abnormal cells have a much greater affinity for the solution and absorb it while the healthy cells do not. The solution is left on for an incubation period lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to 18 hours.

The second step of PDT is to apply a concentrated light source to activate the chemical reaction which destroys the abnormal cells. Since the solution is absorbed only in the damaged cells, the healthy cells are not affected. This process can cause a mild burning sensation during the treatment. Usually, this improves immediately after treatment and ends within 24 hours.

Following the treatment, most patients experience mild swelling, redness, and a peeling of the AK lesions and the surrounding tissue. Patients choosing a more aggressive treatment will experience more peeling and/or crusting of the damaged skin that resolves within in one or two weeks. The doctor can easily control the severity of these reactions by limiting the incubation period and the amount of exposure to the light source.

Patients not willing to experience a prolonged recovery time after the procedure may choose a more mild treatment and return to work after a day or two. The tradeoff is that they will require more treatments to achieve the same clinical results.

In addition to eliminating AKs and the subsurface skin damage, PDT has also been effective in improving the appearance of the skin by greatly reducing moderate to severe acne (including cystic acne), reducing color splotches, lessening the fine lines, and decreasing pore size.

Anyone who currently has, has had, or wants to prevent AKs or pre-cancerous skin lesions should be evaluated and treated using UV photography and photodynamic therapy (PDT).” Once a person has been successfully treated using this approach, it is recommended they return for a yearly follow up to prevent future problems.

William Nelson, NMD is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Dr. Nelson specializes in treating problem skin, reducing cellulite, and obesity by combining the latest medical advances with safe, non-invasive natural therapies to improve the looks and the health of his clients. Dr. Nelson is accepting new patients in his Scottsdale. He can be reached at (480) 612-5048. http://www.iclearacne.com

Skin Cancer Prevention: 5 Ways to Protect Yourself from UV Rays

Skin cancer prevention measures can actively reduce your chances of developing skin cancer if you implement them in your daily routine. The most common form of cancer in the United States, tens of thousands of Americans contract skin cancer every year.

Skin cancer comes in three forms: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most dangerous and life threatening. Skin cancer claims the lives of approximately ten thousand Americans on an annual basis.

What causes skin cancer?

Overexposure to ultraviolet sunlight (UV rays) is believed to be the dominant external factor in a person’s development of skin cancer, although genetic factors can play a role. To protect yourself from UV rays, you should take the following 5 steps for proper skin cancer prevention:

1. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight during midday (generally from 10am to 4pm). This is the time when UV rays are most intense. Plan your schedule to avoid outdoor activities during these hours. Also, be aware that sand and snow reflect sunlight, so if you’re at the beach or a ski resort, direct sunlight can bombard you from every direction with UV rays.

2. Cover Yourself: When out in the sun, keep your skin covered. Wear long-sleeves and long pants if possible. Wearing a hat with a 3 to 4 inch brim all around is preferable. This will guard your neck and cheeks from dangerous prolonged exposure. Also note that dry, dark-colored garments offer the best protection.

3. Use Sunscreen Properly: You should always use sunscreen when enduring prolonged exposure in the sun. Find a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 and read the directions for proper application. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection you will receive against dangerous sunburns. However, sunscreen does not offer “bulletproof” protection, and UV rays can penetrate water, so just because you feel “cool” in the water doesn’t mean you’re protected from sunburn.

4. Use Sunglasses That Block UV Rays: Making certain your sunglasses can block UV rays helps to guard your eyes from serious sun damage. The best constructed sunglasses should have a UV ray absorption rate of 99% to 100%. Never assume that darker lenses equal increased protection. UV rays are blocked by a chemical applied to the lenses. This chemical has nothing to do with the color of transparency of sunglass lenses.

5. Stay Away From Tanning Beds: It is a myth to believe that tanning beds and sunlamps are free of harmful UV rays. These cosmetic instruments might make your skin more attractive in the short-term, but they can significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer in the long-term. Health professionals advise their patients to avoid them.

By implementing these 5 steps in your daily routine, you can significantly decrease your risk of developing skin cancer, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that allows for proper exposure to the sun. Another important step in prevention of skin cancer is routine examination by a doctor. If skin cancer is detected early, then your odds of survival are markedly increased.

About The Author
Britt Gillette is the author of a website where you can learn about Himalayan Goji Juice and other interests of the author.

The 4 Step Check For Skin Cancer Detection

Moles can turn into cancerous melanomas so it's important you check your moles regularly and talk to your doctor if there is any sign of danger.

Follow this 4 step, A-B-C-D, guide when checking your moles and if any of the points are true, be sure to take appropriate action.

Asymmetry: If one half of the mole does not match the other half. A mole or birthmark that has skin growth which increases in size should be examined by a doctor.

Border: If the edge of the mole is ragged, notched or blurred. Moles with skin cancer may have uneven borders.

Color: If the mole is a mix of brown, black and tan rather than an even color you should ensure it is looked at by a doctor. A mole that appears red or blue should also be cause for concern.

Diameter: If the mole is larger than a pencil eraser (6 mm). An important sign of melanoma is a change in size.

Check your body thoroughly at least every three months and if you have quite a few moles be sure to keep an eye on any changes. If any of your moles stand out from the others or if a mole starts bleeding for no apparent reason you should always consult your doctor.

The good news is that there is a lot you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer, or to catch it early enough so that it can be treated effectively, so make sure you check yourself thoroughly and often.

For further advice on health care and support, visit http://www.curemequick.com.

This article was submitted by Jack Prime, a contributer to the http://www.curemequick.com website.

Five Kinds of Skin Cancer

Learn self-examination of skin cancer, as a way to protect yourself, that is easy and costs you nothing more than a few minutes of your time once every few months.

It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of skin cancer. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to spot, the first signs of skin cancer.

There are five different kinds of skin cancer. All of them are dangerous though some are to be worried about more than others. The most common type of skin cancer is Basal cell carcinoma with over a million Americans developing this cancer each year.

Seventy five percent of all skin cancers treated are of this variety. This type of skin cancer is believed by physicians to be caused by a person spending too much time in the sun. Which is why this type of skin cancers tends to be found ion the more common places on the body that has sun exposure. This includes the face, scalp, and upper torso.

Although they have more than one form basal cell carcinoma often begins like a shiny bump. It takes the form of a sore that does not heal or that heals and then becomes unhealthy looking once again. These are slow growing; rarely spreading to other parts of the body but still must be attended to quickly.

At least two hundred thousand Americans yearly are treated for Squamous cell carcinoma, this is the second most common and accounts for twenty percent of the cases of skin cancer. This one is also blamed on too much sun but is more common among middle aged and the elderly.

They first appear as a crusty spot, but one with that appears reddened and irritated looking and does look very much like a small growth or boil. If you notice something that looks like this go immediately to your health care provider as Squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of your body.

The next in line is the most dangerous of the skin cancers. That one is Melanoma and it affects four percent of those who are treated for skin cancers. It is considered the most dangerous because it is the most lethal.

Although if found early the cure rate is a stunning ninety five percent effective. But once it begins its spread there is very little hope. So if you see changes to a mole or a new mole, especially if you are over thirty, see your health care provider immediately.

The remaining one percent if divided between Paget,s disease and Kaposi,s sarcoma. Paget,s occurs because of cancers in the sweat glands of the intestines, genitals or urinary tract and so the cancer shows up in the genital area or around the anus.

It can also come out around the nipples because of cancer of the milk ducts though both men and women can have this problem. The sores look a like normal patchy skin, rashes, and can be very itchy or even painful. A biopsy is usually needed to determine if its just a skin condition or its Paget,s. Kaposi,s sarcoma is an AIDS related skin cancer related to herpes.

For more skin cancer information visit signs of skin cancer

Ron Keegan is a successful Webmaster and publisher of ArticleBankOnline.com a Health Directory with up to date information on health issues. http://www.ArticleBankOnline.com

Skin Cancer Treatment – Cryosurgery

Skin cancer is one form of cancer that is often disregarded by many people. It can kill, but unique treatments exist. Cryosurgery is one of them.

There is little doubt that cancer is a scary topic for just about anyone. That being said, there are some forms of cancer which do not always sound serious, but are. Skin cancer is one. It also happens to be the most prevalent form of cancer found in the world today. Fortunately, most skin cancer is treatable if found early enough. There are a variety of methods for doing this and a unique one is cryosurgery.

When talking about cryosurgery, one probably immediately gets visions of eccentric wealthy individuals freezing their bodies to hold off death. While this is a more extreme cryo technic, it has little to do with cryosurgery for skin cancer.

Cryosurgery for skin cancer involves a unique strategy for attacking cancerous cells in the layers of skin. The basic idea is to freeze the cells. When we talk about freezing, we mean extreme freezing. Liquid nitrogen is used to essentially turn the temperature down to the point that the cells are destroyed, thus wiping out the offending cells. Currently, cryosurgery is used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

Cryosurgery is gaining in popularity with medical professionals and patients. One of the major advantages to the procedure is it is less invasive than more established approaches. It typically involves only a topical treatment or small incision in the area in question. This reduces trauma to the body and makes recovery much quicker and less painful. Sometimes, it can be done with only a local anesthesia. It can also be repeated frequently and used in combination with other treatment strategies. As you might imagine, this less invasive approach also reduces the overall cost of treatment.

There is a disadvantage associated with cryosurgery. The primary issue is there is no clear evidence of the long-term results of the surgery. While it appears effective at treating obvious cancerous cells, it is unclear if the procedure deals with all of the cells in the surrounding area. It only takes a few missed cells to lead to a reoccurrence of the cancer. Given this uncertainty, some health insurance companies balk at paying for the procedure.

Cryosurgery for skin cancer is in its infancy at this point in time. It is offered in select hospitals, but is not widespread as of yet in the medical community. As the procedure becomes more accepted, it may offer an excellent treatment option for people suffering from skin cancer.

John Grimes is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural sun protection products.

Melanoma Skin Cancer – An Overview

Skin cancer is a term used to identify cancerous cell growth on the epidermis of a person, but it really breaks down into three types. Melanoma skin cancer is by far the most deadly one.

When people discuss skin cancer, they are really talking about a general term that applies to cancerous problems with the skin. There are actually three subcategories of skin cancer – basal, squamous and melanoma. Melanoma is by far the deadliest.

Melanoma skin cancer is a malignant form of cancer. It occurs when cells that color the skin become cancerous. These cells are called melanocytes. Melanocytes are generally found in the lower layers of the epidermis. When you go out in the sun, the body reacts to protect itself by having melanocytes produce pigment to color the skin. In practical terms, this is what happens when you get a sunburn or tan.

Melanoma occurs due to a number of factors. The most common is when the DNA in the melanocytes is altered by UV radiation found in sunlight. While the damage is usually found on the skin, it can also occur in the eyes. On men, melanoma usually presents in the skin from the shoulders to the hips. With women, the disease tends to present on the arms and legs. A vast majority of reported cases involve adults, but kids can be unfortunate enough to suffer from it.

When evaluating melanoma, it is important to understand there are some defined risk factors. They include subjects such as unusual moles, exposure to the sun, tanning booth UV exposure, a family history of melanoma, red or blond hair, blue eyes, white or light colored skin. While these are common risk factors, there absence does not mean you are risk free.

Once discovered, the treatment for melanoma is highly dependent on the extent of the problem. Melanoma present only in the skin can be treated successfully in many different ways. Melanoma, however, can spread through the body. If it has spread to the lymph nodes, the risk of a terminal diagnosis goes up dramatically. Treatment courses will then be far more aggressive with the outcome dependent upon your specific situation.

Melanoma is undoubtedly the worst form of skin cancer. If discovered early enough, it can be treated. If you are concerned at all that you might have a problem, see a medical professional as soon as possible.

John Grimes is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural sun protection products.