The Ultra Violet rays of the sun are directly penetrating the atmosphere and entering the surface of the earth. This is neither shocking nor surprising anymore, as it has been told to us time and again.
The ozone layer is depleting. And due to this, the UV rays are entering the earth’s surface. Upon research and understanding, it has been proved by scientists that the UV rays are indeed causing damage to nature. Humans too are facing some unavoidable effects because of the same. Skin ageings, skin burns, are some of the known effects. It has the ability to trigger cancer-causing cells in the skin, cause cataracts in the eyes and is also capable to alter the DNA mapping of our cells. Dr Anil Kumar, a Medical Oncologist from SPARSH Hospital, shares how the unfiltered rays are harming the body but more importantly, how we can protect ourselves from the damage.
- Skin Damage:
Apart from skin tan or skin burn, there are types of skin cancer caused due to the UV rays of the sun.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most commonly found types of skin cancer. It is the unusual and abnormal growth on the skin. It looks like a red patch, or a sore, however, the problem is deep within the layers of the cell. Although it does not spread across the body it is the most common around the neck and the face area. It can be a serious problem if left undiagnosed.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer. It is the unusual and uncontrolled growth of skin’s outer most layers. The SCC is seen in the growth of scary red patches, or warts, that form a crust and bleed.
- Melanoma is by far the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. Melanoma causes the pigment-producing skin cells to multiply rapidly, and form tumours. They usually look like moles and often erupt from moles too. Majority of them are coloured in either black or brown. However, some are even pink, red, and white. If spotted on time, melanoma is curable. If medical advice is not sought it can turn out to be fatal.
- Eye Damage
When one looks up at the sun, the rays are almost blinding. Upon exposure to unfiltered UV rays, the light can cause more than just a sting of pain in the eyes.
1. Cataract – A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. The cloud-like structure stops the light entertaining to your eyes, hence leads to the interference with your vision. Cataracts are usually found amongst the older aged people.
2. Photokeratitis – It is a painful eye condition caused by the exposure to UV rays without protecting the eyes. Some symptoms of these are eyelid twitching, pain, redness, seeing halos, headache and many more.
3. Pterygium – It is an eye disease that causes a tissue in the eyes to grow in a triangular way around the cornea. The symptoms are often redness and inflammation. If not cured on time, the vision can be affected.
4. Uveal Melanoma – It is cancer in the eye. Tumours erupt in the pigment cells of the eye. It can be cured upon diagnosed properly and timely. However, if it begins to spread, the chances of survival reduces to 5%.
5. Neuropathy – It is a disease which affects the cornea. It begins generally with the loss of vision and pain in the eye.
- DNA Damage
Basking in the sun and getting a little warm, during this season is by far the best ways to spend the daytime. Saying so, many people underestimate the power of UV rays. This is because when the skin is exposed for long periods of time, these rays have the ability to alter the DNA.
Upon exposure to the UV rays, there would be certain damages to the cell. These harmful rays are capable of altering the DNA in the cell. Most often, due to these changes, the immune system in the body and the immune system decreases in the efficiency of its work. This syndrome is known as immunosuppression. At this stage, the body’s effective way of fighting the microbes trying to enter our body decreases.
- Prevention better than cure
Enjoying in the sun, during the pleasant autumn weather is an absolute must. It is also essential, as it is the sun’s rays – that provide with the most important nutrient. Getting the vitamin D is necessary, but ensuring we keep ourselves safe is equally as important.
1. The easiest way to keep oneself safe from the harmful rays of the sun is by not exposing our skin for long hours during the day.
2. Use sunscreens that contain at least SPF 40 during summers. Also, don’t forget to reapply if you are spending more time than usual outside.
3. Avoid spending long hours of time in reflective areas such as snowy mountains or oceans without proper protection.
4. Wear UV protected sunglasses, caps or carry umbrellas whenever necessary.