Photoaging, a risk factor for the development of skin cancer



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Photoaging, a result of cumulative exposure to solar radiation, has a significant relationship with the development of malignant tumors in the skin, so it is important to protect oneself to prevent malignant lesions and even cancer of the skin. skin.

This process in which the skin deteriorates due to the effects of the sun is called photoaging, which begins with changes in the skin that can lead to chronic or acute, "said Efe the dermatopathologist Marcela Saeb

The specialist of the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán explained that this problem is caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet rays (UVR), which trigger most changes in the appearance of the skin associated with

"When ultraviolet rays hit the skin, melanocytes fight to produce melanin in order to deposit it in the epidermis. This is the process that gives you a tan, which is actually a defense reaction against radiation so that it does not penetrate the skin. "

Saeb explained that this radiation accumulates and, as a result, damages the skin. It can be seen in adulthood, sometimes even prematurely.

He said that was worrying, especially since now life expectancy has increased and it is expected that in 2050 he will be on average 81. He added that sun exposure can generate acute changes, which are the classic burns that blush the skin, then generate blisters and detachment of superficial layers.

Other damage may be dilated blood vessels, a condition known as telangiectasia, as well as wrinkles , the coloring that goes from yellow to gray and the subsequent complete change with the flaccidity of the skin or "But as these solar damage become chronic, the dermis and the epidermis, which is the layer that covers the skin, are modified and changes are made in the cells that lead to the formation of precancerous lesions. and even develop neoplasms or malignancies such as melanomas, "he said.

All this, he said, can be avoided and reversed with the use of sunscreen," which should be applied every 3-4 hours or according to the activity or the protective factor. "

The specialist explained that you should choose the most appropriate sunscreen, taking into account this white skin , not having the same ability to produce melanin as black, requires higher sun protection factors.

Saeb pointed out that this type of protection should be used every day, even when the day It is cloudy, it rains or the activities Every day, they are carried out inside.

"We do not put the production of melanin into practice any more. When we do activities in closed spaces, we expose ourselves as if we have all the white skin and when there is intense exposure, we burn, we blister and we can have burns of the first and second degree ", was -he says. is exposed to the light of computers or fluorescent lamps can also have effects on your skin due to the ultraviolet rays generated by these devices.

"Then, even if you work in the office, you can have changes, even if you work with a window, or in transportation, at home, this sun is enough to accumulate damage and develop an old skin and worn, "he said.

The expert emphasized the importance of sunscreen from the early stages. "Babies, even from six months, should use sunscreen because sun damage builds up and can develop dermatological problems in adulthood," he said.

It is necessary to educate the population he said. "We are exposed to the environment and we have to change our eating habits, our hygiene and, above all, the photoprotection."

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