Living in a tropical country where sunshine is almost an entire year has its own benefits. However, there is a risk of health problems lurking behind this exposure to ultraviolet light.
There are three types of ultraviolet radiation based on the short length of the light waves and how they affect the skin. The shortest first type is UVC, completely absorbed by the atmosphere and will not reach the surface of the earth. While UVB is a medium-sized beam that is only able to exert a limited influence on the surface of the skin. While UVA is the longest wave of ultraviolet light, representing 95% of ultraviolet light reaching the surface of the earth. UVA exposure can penetrate the surface layer of the skin.
Parts of the Body that Need to be Protected from UV Rays
Given there are ultraviolet rays that can reach the surface of the skin, even deeper, you should be aware of the dangers of ultraviolet rays to the health of the body, especially in some parts of the body:
Eye
Eyelid reflex to blink is an attempt by the body to protect the eyes from various causes of interference, including exposure to light or light that is too bright. Exposure to ultraviolet light in the eye can cause eyes to feel sore, runny, and impaired vision.
In the long run, exposure to UV rays is at risk of causing eye diseases, such as:
- Photokeratitis or inflammation of the cornea, as well as photoc Visitivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva (the lining inside the eyelids and the eye socket). Although it can be very painful, both of these eye diseases can be cured and generally do not cause long-term disruption in vision.
- Cataracts can arise due to decomposition of protein in the lens of the eye resulting in a buildup of pigment that over time causes blindness. As aging, cataracts can worsen due to UVB exposure. The good news, cataracts can be treated through cataract surgery and implantation of an artificial lens.
- Eye cancer. The study found that several types of eye cancer can be linked to long-term sun exposure, including one type of dangerous eye cancer, melanoma.
- Pterygium, which is a fibrovascular tissue that grows from the inner corner of the eye toward the middle of the eye. This tissue growth is associated with UV exposure. Over time, this tissue can close the pupil hole so that it interferes with vision. Pterygium can be treated with surgery, although it can grow back.
Skin
Ultraviolet rays cause damage to the elastin fibers in the skin so that stretched facial skin cannot return to normal. This causes the skin to become sagging. Ultraviolet rays can also penetrate deep enough to the skin layer, where blood and connective tissue are located. It is suspected that premature aging occurs because UVA rays increase oxidative stress in cells.
Meanwhile, UVB stimulates melanin production and the production of thicker epidermal cells. Therefore, UVB actually helps the body fight damage caused by ultraviolet light. However, excessive UVB exposure can also cause sunburn that risks triggering the development of cancer cells.
Here are some skin conditions that can be caused by exposure to ultraviolet light:
- Sunburn or sunburn. Prolonged sunbathing in the sun causes deadly UV radiation and damages cells on the surface layer of the skin. Burning skin can cause it to become reddish. Although it can subside in a few days, this condition can cause blisters and peeling skin. New skin that appears after that is more susceptible to UV exposure.
- Wrinkle skin. Those who do not protect their skin from the beginning of this ray can experience premature aging.
- Skin cancer (melanoma), and precancerous (actinic keratosis).
- Sores on the skin due to decreased skin immune function.
- Benign tumor.
- Skin color changes, causing freckled pigmentation.
- Skin color fades to yellow.
- Telangiectasis (dilation of small blood vessels under the skin).
- Elastosis (destruction of collagen elastic tissue). The skin becomes sagging, wrinkled, and scratched easily.
The skin of certain people is more sensitive to UV. This condition is called photosensitivity, where even a small amount of UV can cause a reaction on the skin, such as a rash or severe sunburn. This condition is often associated with consumption of certain drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and antidepressants.
To deal with sunburn, sun bathing and drinking enough mineral water can provide comfort and replace lost body fluids. To help with recovery, you can apply a cream containing moisturizer and aloe vera to the area of the burned skin.
Immediately consult a dermatologist if you experience burns due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet light, especially if complaints are accompanied by high fever, dehydration, and severe pain that occurs for more than two days.
As for skin cancer, treatments that can be given include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Immune system
UV radiation is thought to be absorbed by molecules on the skin that can have an impact on cell responses and the immune system against certain diseases.
Avoid the Risk of UV Rays
If you often do outdoor activities, exposure to UV rays from the sun cannot be avoided. Even so, there are simple ways you can do to minimize the effects of UV rays, including:
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, about 20 minutes before being exposed to UV light. Keep in mind that the performance of sunscreens is also influenced by proper perspiration, humidity, wind and application.
- Sunscreens that are 1-2 years old have lost their benefits, so they should not be used anymore. Sunscreen needs to be re-applied once every 2 hours or when you sweat a lot. Likewise when swimming.
- After applying sunscreen on the feet and hands, don't forget to also rub the neck, back of the hands, lips, and ears.
- Avoid applying sunscreen along with other ingredients, such as anti-mosquito lotion and lotion because it will not be able to protect the skin.
- Contrary to popular opinion, wearing dark and tighter clothing is more effective at protecting skin from UV exposure than brightly colored loose clothing.
- Use a hat and sunglasses that protect the eyes from UV rays.
In Indonesia, the sun shines almost all day. To minimize the negative effects of ultraviolet light, it is recommended to limit outdoor activities during the hot sun, which is between 11:00 and 15:00. If you have certain skin conditions, you should consult a doctor for the best advice.
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