What is Skin Disease?
Skin disease is a disease or disorder which affects the skin of humans. They vary greatly from severe to mild and can often come in many different types of forms such as rashes, moles, pimples, or redness. A changed appearance of a mole or the presence of rashes and hives can suggest serious disease.
What Causes Skin Disease?
Skin disease is oftentimes caused by UV rays in the form of cancer. Although not all skin cancer is malignant, the stakes are still high. With over-exposure to UV rays, whether it is from the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps, the chances of developing skin cancer greatly increases.
The UV rays can cause changes to occur in the genes and cells if skin is not protected from such rays. With enough damage to the genes, it can cause cells to behave abnormally. Skin cancer can occur “when errors (mutations) occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells.” (Mayo Clinic, 2019)
Why is Sunscreen Important?
UVA rays typically cause skin to age whereas UVB rays cause skin to burn. When sunscreen is used, it can prevent or hinder both. “The depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of sun damage from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen blocks these rays, greatly reducing the likelihood of sunburn.” (EHE Health, 2020) Studies have proven that the use of sunscreen reduces the risk of contracting skin cancers by 50%. It is estimated that almost 10,000 people develop skin cancer on a daily basis in the United States. With skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in the US with over 70,000 people having been diagnosed with it in 2013, the use of sunscreen is extremely necessary in order to avoid the development of skin cancer.
What is the Correct Way to Apply Sunscreen?
Choose a sunscreen: It is important that you choose a sunscreen with a high SPF. Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or more are recommended by dermatologists and healthcare professionals.Prep the skin with a toner or moisturizer to ensure that the skin remains hydrated and that the sunscreen is spread evenly.Determine the amount of sunscreen needed. If all skin except for the face and hands are covered, then a small quantity of sunscreen is necessary. Increase the amount of sunscreen used depending on how much of your skin will be exposed to the sun.
Gently “press” and tap the sunscreen onto the skin. Do not spread or smear it as it will be applied unevenly and will be less effective.Wait 30 minutes before leaving the house. It is often recommended that an individual wait for half an hour before leaving the house after applying sunscreen, however, this varies from brand to brand.Reapply every 2 hours. The sunscreen stops being as effective after two hours because the sun protection factor is only fully effective for 2 consecutive hours after initially applying it.
What are Alternative Ways to Prevent Skin Disease?
There are many ways in which you can reduce the chances of contracting skin disease through alternative ways. These include staying in the shade, clothing, hats, and sunglasses. It is said that staying indoors or in the shade is often even better and more effective than sunscreen is from preventing skin disease because it prevents the UV rays from reaching your skin. However, since this is not a permanent nor realistic solution, sunscreen is the second-best option. Thick clothing that covers more of your body such as long-sleeved sweaters also serve as the best protection from UV rays when outside. Some clothing have even included an ultraviolet protection factor which enhances the protection derived from these clothings. Hats are also effective in protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays, especially those with a wide brim all the way around. Such hats can protect your face, head, neck, and ears. Avoid thinner hats as they do not provide adequate protection from the sun. Sunglasses are also useful in protecting your skin and eyes from UV rays. When wearing sunglasses, the chances of developing cataracts is significantly decreased and the thin and sensitive skin around the eyes is protected from the UVA and UVB rays reduces the chances of developing skin disease.
Bibliography
Greaves, Malcolm W. “Skin Disease.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 29 June 2020, www.britannica.com/science/human-skin-disease.
Clinic, Mayo. “Skin Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 20 Feb. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605.
Learn, Science. “Skin Cancer.” Science Learning Hub, 29 July 2008, www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/1321-skin-cancer.
Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for. “Sun Safety.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 Apr. 2020, www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basicinfo/sun-safety.htm.
Health, EHE. “Top 5 Important Reasons You Should Always Wear Sunscreen.” EHE Health | Top 5 Important Reasons You Should Always Wear Sunscreen, www.ehe.health/blog/always-wear-sunscreen.
Bioelements. “How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly.” Youtube, Bioelements, 3 May 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkndspzanRc.
Brueck, Hilary. “You're Probably Putting on Sunscreen All Wrong - Here's How to Apply It the Right Way, According to a Dermatologist.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 26 Apr. 2018, www.businessinsider.com/how-often-sunscreen-according-to-dermatologist-2018-4.
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