Excessive sunbathing can lead to skin cancer.pixabay
Excessive sunbathing can lead to burns and long-term diseases, such as skin cancer
Reducing risks involves taking precautions whenever we sunbathe: it is important to use sun protection all year round
In summer, avoid the central hours of the day, insist on applying sunscreen and wear hats or caps to avoid direct sun on your face
Sunbathe It suits us very well… as long as we do it carefully, without excesses and using high sun protection. Among other things, the sun helps us obtain the vitamin D necessary to strengthen our bones, in addition to stimulating our defenses; improve acne, dermatitis and eczema; balance cholesterol; reduce blood pressure; improve our mood and sleep quality…
It is no coincidence that there are techniques such as heliotherapy, which consists of the use of solar radiation, in a regulated and controlled manner, for therapeutic purposes. The beneficial effects of the sun have been known since ancient times and throughout history they have been used in a medicinal sense, in spaces such as spas, where we go to improve our health. However, as with anything else, too much sun can have the opposite effect. What are the diseases that you can suffer if you abuse sunbathing?
Diseases that you can suffer if you abuse sunbathing
Sometimes we put so much emphasis on the dangerous or negative aspects of the sun that we forget its beneficial effects on our body. It is no coincidence that almost all of us like to expose ourselves to it: its influence on our mood and our state of mind is almost immediate, and feeling how the heat bathes our skin has a clear calming and de-stressing effect. That’s why when summer arrives we don’t hesitate to throw ourselves to beaches and swimming pools to take advantage of its benefits and recharge our batteries for the long winter.
However, we must bear in mind that if we take more sun than necessary or if we do it without adequate protection, we will expose ourselves to the opposite effect. These are some of the diseases that you can suffer if you abuse the sun:
- Heatstroke. Heat stroke is a reaction of our body to excessive temperatures. When our body fails to acclimatize in time (something that usually happens in case of sudden changes in temperature), a ‘peak’ of heat is produced that can lead to potentially dangerous symptoms. That is why we must be careful in the event of high temperatures or a significant increase in humidity, and reduce our physical activity during those days. It is also important to stay well hydrated, avoid exposure to the sun during very hot days and, in short, not lose sight of the fact that excessive heat can have a negative impact on us. Keep in mind that if our body reaches temperatures of around 40 or 41°, serious damage can occur, including shock, failure of certain organs (kidney, pancreas, liver…), brain damage and, in the most extreme cases, , including death.
- Sunburn. Sunburns are caused by prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection (or even with it, when we spend too much time in the sun). Its covering will depend on the severity of the injury: there are mild ones, in the form of redness, but blisters and larger-caliber damage may also appear, in which case it is better to see a doctor. If it is simply an annoying redness, you can use home remedies against sunburn, such as aloe vera, chamomile, coconut oil… But do not forget that the skin has a memory and that, in the long run, You can expose yourself to serious diseases, such as skin cancer.
- Skin cancer. Skin cancer consists of the abnormal growth of skin cells and usually develops on skin exposed to the sun, although this is not always the case. What is clear is that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an important risk factor, especially in fair skin with less natural protection against this type of radiation. As for the types of skin cancer, there are three main ones: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The best thing you can do to avoid them is to protect your skin from the sun, but it is also important to check it periodically and completely and thoroughly to detect possible anomalies. In general, you should keep an eye out for changes and variations in moles or blemishes, as this can be an indicator of abnormal skin cell growth.
- Photoaging. Photoaging is, as Cantabria Labs explains, the acceleration of the skin’s natural aging process due to prolonged and constant exposure to sunlight without adequate protection. Its harmful effects can be combated with good habits and products that protect the skin and deeply repair the damage caused by the sun. Wrinkles (especially around the eyes and around the mouth), the appearance of spots in exposed areas (called solar lentigines), yellowing, rough texture, dry skin and loss of skin elasticity are some of the most recognized signs of photoaging . Of course, the sun is not the only element that can cause premature aging: pollution, tobacco, hormonal changes… they also play against you.
- Cataracts and other eye diseases. Ultraviolet radiation increases the probability of suffering from cataracts and, in fact, the main factor for the appearance of this eye disease is exposure to ultraviolet rays. Cataracts consist of a loss of transparency in the lens of the eye, clouding vision. Dry eye may also appear, as well as damage to the retina, since ultraviolet rays affect the macula and, together with other factors, can damage external tissues and cause areas of low vision. The best prevention is to wear approved sunglasses, that is,with a sunscreen suitable and that, in addition, cover the eyes well. Your choice will depend on the activity you are going to do.
#Diseases #suffered #sunbathing #abused
