Although the sun’s rays are among the main sources of life on earth, overexposure can cause many health problems. In this period of summer, when the sun’s rays are intense and most severe, sun-induced skin and skin complaints become more frequent. Stating that exposure to sun rays unconsciously and unprotected may cause some health problems, Dermatologist Dr. Seher Küçükoğlu Cesur, Lecturer, Altınbaş University, said, “There are 3 types of sun rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. These rays with different wavelengths cause different problems. While UVA and UVB can pass through the atmosphere, UVC cannot. From these rays, UVA descends into the deep layers of the skin, causing damage and is responsible for skin aging. Since UVB rays have shorter wavelengths, they affect the superficial layer of the skin and cause redness, swelling and pain in the skin. Deep UVA and UVB cause skin (skin) cancer.”
May cause skin blemishes and skin cancers
Recording that health problems related to sun rays are divided into acute or chronic, Dr. Seher Küçükoğlu Cesur said, “The effects we call acute are seen immediately after exposure to sunlight. These acute effects can be counted as sunburn and sun allergy. Chronic effects due to sun rays are seen as a result of unconscious exposure to sunlight over the years. These can be counted as spots on the skin, skin cancers and increased signs of aging. Pointing out that it is necessary to distinguish between sun allergy, which is one of the acute effects of the sun, and sunburn, Dr. Küçükoğlu Cesur said, “Sunburn is a condition that occurs in sun-exposed areas as a result of unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays for a long time and causes symptoms such as redness, swelling, blistering of the skin, burning and pain. However, staying under the sun for even 1-2 minutes is sufficient for the formation of sun allergy. Even in those with sun allergy, symptoms such as itching, swelling, burning and stinging occur within seconds. Sun allergy, also known as solar urticaria, causes a rash-like picture with itchy rashes and blisters on the skin.”
Perfume use can trigger sun allergy
Indicating that sun allergy, which can occur at any age, is more common in women than in men, Dermatologist Dr. Seher Küçükoğlu Cesur said, “However, in some cases, the risk of occurrence is high. These can be listed as familial predisposition, some rheumatic diseases, continuous use of perfumes, disinfectants or different chemicals that will trigger sun allergy, and the use of some drugs that will trigger allergies. Stating that after taking the clinical history in the diagnosis and treatment of sun allergy, phototest should be done to confirm the diagnosis. Seher Küçükoğlu Cesur said, “This test measures how the skin responds to UV light from a sun lamp of different wavelengths. After the detection of sun allergy, the drugs and cosmetic products used are investigated and some blood tests are requested for rheumatic diseases. In treatment, creams and oral medications are given to reduce itching and pain. Lotions that protect against UVA/UVB rays should be used to prevent the