As stated by Dr. Giorgos Ketonis, many people have experienced minor to severe sunburns, which are due to reckless exposure to the sun, or even in the use of drugs that cause photosensitivity and phototoxicity.
Patients receiving medication such as antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne products and other preparations and women using birth control pills should avoid sun exposure, because they face an increased risk of suffering burns, or in the best of cases they get fevers, which are difficult to disappear.
They work together in the appearance of photodermatitis and other skin lesions, also, and other factors, such as drinking alcohol and using perfumes, soaps and other cosmetics.
Cancer lurks!!
The skin, as explained by Dr. Ketonis, it reacts to sunlight according to its melanin content, the geographical location, the time and duration of the exposure. As is well known, ultraviolet radiation is to blame for the appearance of wrinkles, spots, burns and for invisible damage to the DNA of our cells, which, if repeated, can lead to the development of cancer.
Children are particularly sensitive and should receive special attention, as it has been scientifically confirmed that one or more sunburns in childhood or adolescence increase the incidence of melanoma, which is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer, in adult life. Therefore, it is essential that sun protection starts early and continues throughout life.
Protective shield!!
Parts of the body not protected by clothing must be covered with sunscreen, which contains UVB and UVA radiation filters. The protective effect of sunscreens depends not only on the quality of the formulation, but also by the quantity used.
For the adult body, the correct amount of sunscreen is approx 30-40 gr (i.e. a full palm), in order to achieve the desired result. Is important, also, sunscreen applied well before sun exposure and reapplied after swimming or at least every two hours.
We should not leave uncovered sensitive areas such as the ears, the nose and lips, while it is considered necessary, Moreover, wearing a hat, sunglasses and appropriate clothing.
Doctors recommend avoiding sun exposure between 10am-4pm., i.e. the hours when the radiation is very strong.
Babies under the age of six months should not be exposed to direct radiation at all, while children up to two years of age should remain in the shade. Moreover, drinking water or juices helps prevent dehydration.
Every skin needs its own sunscreen!!
The sunscreen, which you choose, it must state that it protects you from both UVB and UVA rays. Know your phototype and choose a sunscreen with the corresponding protection index.
Phototype 1
- Blonde skin, usually with freckles, which almost always gets sunburned and never tans.
- Blonde or red hair.
- Experts recommend sunscreen with SPF 50+ on the face and body when you are at the beach.
Phototype 2
- Fair skin, which burns easily and tans very hard.
- Usually blonde hair, but maybe also black.
- Experts recommend sunscreen with SPF 40+.
Phototype 3
- Medium light skin, which sometimes burns, but it usually tans to a beautiful soft color.
- Auburn or light brown hair.
- Experts recommend sunscreen with SPF 30+.
Phototype 4
- Wheat skin, which burns occasionally and tans easily.
- Usually brown eyes and hair.
- Characteristic Mediterranean skin type. Experts recommend sunscreen with SPF 20+.
Phototype 4
- Very dark-blue complexion, which never burns and tans very easily.
- Dark eyes and hair.
- Experts recommend sunscreen with SPF 15+.
Harmful consequences!!
- Dehydration: The skin loses its normal moisture and elasticity and becomes dry.
- wrinkles: At first subtle, later much deeper. You may have noticed the face or neck of farmers or fishermen (people overexposed to solar radiation).
- Stains: In adolescence, cute freckles are the result of exposure to the sun. After thirty, Nevertheless, they become stains, panades, nightmares, networks, now permanent and unsightly on the face and neck as well as on the hands.
- Radiant hyperkeratosis: The skin becomes rough at some point, which is exposed to the sun and if this continues, precancerous lesions may be created at older ages.
- Sunburn: up to 2nd grade.
- Photosensitivity: activated by aromas, various plants and certain medicines.
- Skin cancer: as solar radiation causes alterations in cells and damages the genetic material. Some forms of skin cancer are curable, but others, such as melanoma, they are aggressive and require early diagnosis, in order to heal.
