The sun's rays. Advantages and disadvantages

Sunlight includes three types of radiation:

UV is the part of the sun's radiation that gives the skin a pleasant brown hue and promotes the body's production of vitamin D, necessary for bones. This vitamin is also involved in the regulation of cell division and even prevents the development of colon and stomach cancer to some extent. Under the influence of sunlight, the so-called "pleasure hormones", endorphins, are produced.
 

The human body is able to protect itself from harmful compounds produced by exposure to sunlight. DNA damage is quickly repaired thanks to a special system that controls its integrity. And if there is a change in the cell, it is recognized by the immune system as foreign and destroyed. Unfortunately, sometimes the body cannot cope with these damages, especially since UV suppresses the activity of the immune system. That is why, having arrived from warm countries, people often catch a cold.

 

At the same time, suppression of the immune system is the main mechanism of ultraviolet radiation treatment for diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and some other skin diseases.

 

UV is divided into three spectra depending on the wavelength. Each spectrum has its own specific effects on the human body.

 

 

Why do dermatologists so strongly recommend avoiding the sun?

 

Sunburn is primarily a skin injury.

 

The damaging effect of the sun gradually accumulates in the body, and can make itself felt many years later in the form of skin cancer.

 

Parents, please note: if a child gets a sunburn that causes blisters, especially if it happens more than once, the risk of developing melanoma increases several times in the future!

 

People are protected from the harmful effects of sunlight in different ways. People with dark skin have stronger protection, while people with red hair or blondes with blue eyes are more susceptible to the damaging effects of sunlight.

 

UV can sometimes contribute to the development of itchy rashes. With solar urticaria, itchy rashes resembling a nettle burn develop between 30 minutes and two hours after exposure. Polymorphic light rash – after 1-2 days. This disease is also manifested by itchy rashes at the site of exposure, but they pass more slowly than solar urticaria and look different. There are other diseases for which UV is an incentive to develop. For example, lupus erythematosus, rosacea, pellagra (vitamin B3 deficiency), and others.

 

Many medications taken orally can lead to skin rashes when exposed to sunlight. There are some herbs that cause severe redness and blistering after skin contact in the sun. First of all, these are plants from the umbrella family, among which the most powerful is hogweed. In addition, such dermatitis can be caused by celery, parsley, lime, parsnips and others.

 

How can you protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun and at the same time benefit and enjoy it?

 

The answer is simple: you need to use sunscreen. It is not necessary to take a cream with maximum protection (SPF 50+). The drug, which has SPF 15, already protects 80% from sunlight. This means that some of the UVB will reach the skin and have a positive effect. In order for sun protection creams to be effective, it is recommended to apply them 20 minutes before a sun bath, and resume their application according to the recommendations, usually every 2 hours. But be careful, using these drugs does not mean that you can stay under the sun indefinitely. It was this mistake that led to a sharp increase in the incidence of melanoma at the time – due to the lack of obvious sunburn due to the protective cream, some tanned for too long.

 

Scientists have found that in order for the body to produce the amount of vitamin D it needs, it is enough to "show the sun" your face and hands for 10-15 minutes a day.

 

Specialists The EMC Dermatovenerology and Allergology–Immunology Clinics will be happy to provide detailed recommendations on sun protection for you and your entire family.

 

Be healthy!