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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Nicole Hayre, MD
Affects Of Sun Damage
Cosmetic Dermatology Center
. http://www.cosmetic-dermatology-center.com

Affects Of Sun Damage

The term 'sun damage' has recently become fairly pervasive in our society. One commercial after another urges us to use certain skin care products or make-up because it helps to protect us from sun damage. Most people acknowledge that they do not want sun damage, but what exactly is it? Sun damage is the cumulative effect of ultra violet rays impacting elements of the skin over time. This can manifest in mottled pigmentation, broken capillaries, wrinkles, and/or skin cancer.

There are pigment cells (melanocytes) in the basal layer of the skin. Over time, damage to their DNA accumulates and causes them to behave differently. Some cells form groups which overproduce pigment, resulting in freckles, or sunspots. Other groups of cells stop making pigment, resulting in white spots. The combination of dark and white spots leaves the complexion looking mottled. Occasionally damage to these cells can result in a form of skin cancer called melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers, but patients may have a favorable prognosis if the cancer is detected early. This is why it is important for everyone to have a skin check at least once yearly. If a patient notices a new or changing mole or lesion, they should see a dermatologist and bring it to their attention as soon as possible.

Capillaries are tiny blood vessels in the skin. Damage to them and their surrounding supportive structures leads to their weakening and dilation. Once this occurs, the dilated vessels may appear as a red dot or wavy line on the skin. Over time this leads to a reddish or ruddy complexion. A similar problem may be seen in people suffering from rosacea.

Damage to supportive structures in the skin, including collagen and elastin, lead to its weakening. Areas that are weakened can ripple, causing the overlying skin to have a fine line. Further damage can expand the weakened area and lead to larger lines and even hanging skin.

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in the United States. Most skin cancers fall into one of two categories basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both of these types of skin cancer, as with melanoma, can be caused by excessive sun damage. How they differ drastically from melanoma is that they may be thought of as a localized problem. In other words, a minor surgery to remove the cancer should be curative. As stated earlier, it is important for everyone to have a skin check at least once yearly. If a patient notices a new or changing mole or lesion, they should see a dermatologist and bring it to their attention as soon as possible.

Thankfully most aspects of sun damage such as dispigmentation and broken capillaries are reversible with laser treatments or chemical peels. One effective treatment is Intense Pulsed Light. When the treatments are combined with a topical medication, the process is called photodynamic therapy. Photodynamic therapy not only treats dispigmentation and dilated blood vessels, but it also helps to build up collagen and to diminish fine lines. This advanced therapy has even been proven to treat certain types of pre-cancerous lesions.

Of course prevention is better than a cure, and the best way to keep your skin young and healthy is to protect it daily with a good sunscreen. If you have questions regarding sun damage treatments or skin cancer screening, see a board-certified dermatologist.

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