Climate change is a threat to the skin

Currently, climate change is a major social and health challenge for human existence, as the damage it causes to global society is reflected in everyday lifestyles, including heavy rains, droughts and extreme heat.
Not only does this pose a direct hazard to the environment and other species, but it also poses a threat to human health such as the skin, the effects of UV rays are more severe due to repeated exposure to sunlight, and skin cancer is possible. The ozone layer does not allow most of the UV rays to be absorbed.

Summers are getting hotter, which is directly related to climatic conditions, especially in European countries, where populations are already dealing with temperature problems.
Besides UV rays, there are other types of UV-C that are the most harmful because of their high energy content and difficult for the body to process. In this way, melanomas can arise because the radiation causes mutations in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Experts estimate that by 2050, the incidence of skin cancer will be between 5% and 10% due to the effects of climate change, suggesting a higher incidence of skin aging. and allergies. , and skin diseases such as dermatitis.

weather. In this regard, the most common skin cancers caused by the sun are melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, Vladimir Vilgas, an oncologist at the Padre Machado Oncology Service at the Venezuelan Institute for Social Security in Caracas, told N. all staff..

In this sense, consistent with new climate phenomena, people may experience excessive sun exposure and its effects on skin during the holiday season. Exposure to the skin from the sun for more than two hours each day between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Also, especially during school holidays, not wearing UV-blocking clothing and unsafe protective gear when visiting beaches, rivers and mountains, although important throughout the year, are contributing factors.
Ultraviolet light has the ability to alter the cell cycle, causing mutations in the aforementioned genes, Villegas said. In this regard, oncologists point out that there is no doubt that in the new reality implied by climate change, prevention is fundamental, while reducing sun exposure; use more than 30 high-quality antiseptics before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm agents and sunlight exposure.

On the other hand, when you’re at the pool or the beach, you should retouch the protector every three or four hours and use barrier methods like hats. “They are ways to prevent different types of skin cancer, and we should pay special attention to these measures during the holidays,” he said.

At other times of your daily routine, such as working outdoors, walking home for long periods of time, or working, these should make it a habit to apply sunscreen to exposed areas on time.

remedy. Generally, the treatment of skin cancer is surgery, which involves completely removing the lesion and the margins or protective tissue looking healthy so that no cells are left behind, which is usually the best treatment.

In some cases, such as melanoma with the ability to spread from skin cells to lymph nodes, the removal of lymph node tissue may increase, while others may require systemic treatment: chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

At diagnosis, your doctor may perform a skin exam to determine whether these changes may be caused by skin cancer, tests to confirm it, and a biopsy if necessary, according to the Mayo Clinic. A skin sample can also be taken. ,

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According to the World Health Organization, there are two to three million new cases worldwide each year, of which melanoma is the most aggressive, with about 132,000 deaths.

The highest annual skin cancer rates are found in the United States, Canada, Uruguay and Colombia. This type of cancer appears in the areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, lips, ears, and neck, as well as the chest, arms, hands, and feet. However, it can also be expressed under the nails, genital area, palms, but is rare.

If there are any scars or changes in the skin, it is advisable to see a specialist promptly to determine if there is a risk.

Protective measures should be habituated not only in season, but throughout the year.