One might look at the skin only with a cosmetic eye without concern for what goes with skin cells. The skin is an organ that is susceptible to damage, but at the same time, it is easy to overlook the skin. It is especially true when one feels concerned about a skin change only if it is very significant or if it involves pain or itching. However, even a painless bump or color change in the skin is important. This is especially true of skin conditions related to sunlight.
Sunburn
Whenever skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet rays, an inflammatory process ensues. The skin can become reddish and warm, possibly accompanied by swelling. In severe cases, blisters can also develop. Once the sunburn occurs, one would try to relieve the sunburn with cool water or over-the-counter pain medications if it is bothersome. If the skin becomes tanned, it is because the cells that produce melanin, the pigment giving the skin a darker shade, make more of it in response to the increased UV radiation coming their way.
People may like to tan at a beach or a tanning salon to enhance their appearance. What really happens is the skin reaction described above. Because tanning involves voluntarily subjecting oneself to UV radiation, the medical community's stance on tanning is that it is considered risky and therefore not recommended.
Skin Cancer
Ultraviolet radiation is a major risk factor for skin cancer, which usually appears in the face, neck, and arms where skin tends to be exposed to the sun. History of skin cancer in the family, particularly for melanoma, can play a role as well. The treatment is generally surgical.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of cancer. It originates from cells deep in the epidermis, but the appearance of the tumor can vary. Its color can be pale, pink, or brown and its texture can be flat or raised. This type of skin cancer is rarely fatal. However, it can be disfiguring if it continues to grow in size.
Squamous cell carcinoma originates from the outermost layer of cells that produce keratin, the fibrous substance that covers the skin. The tumor is generally raised and firm with a color that varies from pinkish to flesh-colored. There may also be associated thickening of the keratin layer, giving it a dry, rough texture. This type of skin cancer does have the ability to metastasize, or break off and spread throughout the body, but it is curable if resected soon enough.
Melanoma, originating from the melanin-producing cells called melanocytes, is not a common skin cancer, but it is the deadliest because it is widely known to metastasize. They have an appearance similar to harmless moles except for the fact that they change over time. The mole may start to have an irregular border instead of being in a nice round shape. The color, whatever it may be, might not look even throughout. The way to remember the warning signs of melanoma is ABCD: A for asymmetry, B for irregular border, C for color that is not uniform or of a concerning shade like red or blue, and D for increasing diameter.
Protecting the Skin
Prevention is a very important aspect of skin care. By minimizing exposure to ultraviolet radiation, covering sun-exposed areas whenever possible, and applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, one can minimize the risk for both sunburn and skin cancer. If there is anything suspicious on the skin, it would not be a bad idea to visit a dermatologist.
