The sun’s UV rays may cause significant harm to the complexion of human skin. Melanin-containing cells are found in the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer. Melanin blocks the sun’s harmful rays to keep the skin healthy. These may cause damage to the skin and hasten its aging process by burning it and decreasing its suppleness. Although prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation may cause harm to the eyesight, skin, and immune system, everyone knows that sun exposure is necessary to produce vitamin D (which aids calcium intake and bones). Cancer may develop as a result of its etiology. Injuries and illnesses of the skin have been linked to prolonged sun exposure. Acute burning and scanning of skin should cause harm to human skin. Melasma, photoaging, actinic keratosis, and actinic folliculitis are potential side effects of prolonged exposure to the sun (exposure to sunlight effect four to six hours, and patches will appear in pink or pale colour can be found). Cancers such as cancer of the basal cells, carcinoma of the squamous and malignant carcinoma are included. It plays a role in genetic disorders like xeroderma pigmentosa. Excessive sun exposure may cause skin cancer, and persons with certain skin types are at a higher risk of sunburn and other complications. Treatment of premature aging and skin malignancies by limiting exposure to sunlight has been studied and shown to be effective. The development of skin cancer may almost always be traced back to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Both burned from the sun and provoked exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays are linked to an increased risk of skin cancer, and sunscreen may help prevent both. Mutations in p53 are associated with a wide variety of skin lesions, including those seen in both rodents and humans, as well as with local immunological depressions and the development of actinic keratosis. Vitamin D from the sun is helpful for healthy bone growth in children. Damage to the skin from the sun’s UV radiation is a real possibility. The melanin pigment in the skin’s outer layer is a natural defense against UV rays. A burn may cause the skin to lose suppleness and age quickly.
Author(s) Details:
Sabira Sultana
Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
Shafaq Naz
Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
Naheed Akhtar
Department of Pharmacy, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
Musarrat Ijaz
Department of Pharmaceutics, Cadson College of Pharmacy, Kharian, Pakistan.
Sidra Huma
Bahawalpur Medical and Dental College, Bahawalpur College of Pharmacy (BMDC Complex), Pakistan.
Muhammad Shahzad Khan
Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences, GC University Faisalabad, Layyah Campus. Layyah 31200, Punjab, Pakistan
Rizwana Dilshad
Swedish College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Science, Rahim Yar Khan Campus, Pakistan.
Sumbal Tanveer
Riphah International University, Islamabad
Tamseela Shahzadi
Riphah International University, Islamabad
Muhammad Saleem Qureshi
Akbar Institute of Medical Sciences Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Recent Global Research Developments in the Impact of Sun Exposure on Skin Health and Cancer Risk
Occupational Sun Exposure and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer:
- A joint study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that nearly 1 in 3 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer is caused by working under the sun [1].
- In 2019, approximately 19,000 people in 183 countries died from non-melanoma skin cancer due to outdoor work in the sun.
- Governments, employers, and workers should collaborate to protect outdoor workers by providing shade, adjusting working hours away from solar noon, and equipping them with sunscreen and protective clothing.
Sunscreen Use and Skin Cancer Prevention:
- A study explored preventive measures for skin cancer. Sunscreen use was associated with a lower prevalence of skin cancer .
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and staying in the shade did not significantly reduce skin cancer prevalence.
- Regular sunscreen application remains crucial for skin health.
Gene-Sun Exposure Interactions and Skin Cancer Risk:
- Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a prominent environmental factor linked to skin cancer risk .
- UVR increases skin cancer risk through DNA damage and immunosuppression.
- In 2020, approximately 1 million non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases occurred globally due to UVR exposure.
References
- Working under the sun causes 1 in 3 deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer, say WHO and ILO
https://www.who.int/news/item/08-11-2023-working-under-the-sun-causes-1-in-3-deaths-from-non-melanoma-skin-cancer–say-who-and-ilo
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