Sun Exposure Health Risks: UV Damage and Protection Strategies

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds causes cumulative damage. Protection is essential year-round, not just in summer.

Health Effects

1. Sunburn

Acute inflammation: erythema, pain, edema, blistering, peeling. Indicates DNA damage; each burn increases melanoma risk.

2. Skin Cancer

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Most common; locally destructive, rarely metastatic.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Can metastasize; linked to cumulative UV exposure.
• Melanoma: Deadliest; linked to intermittent intense exposure and sunburns, especially in childhood.

3. Eye Damage

• Cataracts (cortical, posterior subcapsular)
• Macular degeneration (AMD)
• Pterygium, pinguecula (conjunctival growths)
• Photokeratitis ("snow blindness")

4. Photoaging

Wrinkles, laxity, dyspigmentation (lentigines), telangiectasias, elastosis. UVA penetrates the dermis, degrading collagen and elastin.

5. Immune Suppression

UV reduces Langerhans cells, impairs antigen presentation, increasing skin infection and cancer risk.

Sun Protection Strategy

• Seek shade: 10 AM–4 PM peak UV hours.
• Clothing: UPF 50+ shirts, wide-brim hat (3+ inch brim).
• Sunglasses: 100% UVA/UVB blocking (UV400).
• Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30+; apply 1 oz (shot glass) 15 minutes before exposure; reapply every 2 hours, after swimming/sweating.
• Avoid tanning beds: Class 1 carcinogen (WHO).

Special Populations

• Infants <6 months: shade/clothing only; sunscreen only if unavoidable.
• Photosensitizing medications (tetracyclines, thiazides, retinoids, etc.)
• Immunosuppressed: aggressive protection, regular skin exams.