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Skin Disorders
Skin cancer and other skin disorders
What is in the book?
Chapter: Sun
UV radiation and human health
Skin disorders
Suntan, sunburn, photoageing, sensitivity
Non-cancerous growth
Skin cancer
Eye disorders
Degeneration, sunburn, sensitivity
Cataracts, non-cancerous growth
Eye cancer
Circadian rhythm disorders
Melatonin
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Be sun-smart
Fair-skinned people are still obsessed with the need to have a suntanned skin on return from their annual holidays. Their friends and colleagues regard a tanned skin as a sign of health and beauty. A man with a tawny, weather-beaten appearance is assumed to be adventurous and strong, while a pale-skinned fellow suggests a delicate constitution.
Your skin is able to defend against mild radiation attacks. Skin cells produce melanin, the substance that tans your skin. Suntan is a weak shield against the harmful radiation – some skin cells die during the battle and form a protective horny layer of dead tissue.
Frequent exposure or high doses of UV radiation may lead to temporary or permanent changes to your skin, passing sunburn being a painful indicator.
Today skin cancer is more prevalent than all other human cancers combined. Is the weather to blame? Yes and no. UV radiation is undoubtedly a major trigger of skin cancer. But equal blame goes to a change in contemporary human behaviour, as more leisure time and the desire for a tan lead to more radiation exposure.
