What’s It to Me?
Other Health Effects
Actinic keratoses
These skin growths can occur on any part of the body exposed to the sun. The hands, forearms,
neck, and face are most commonly affected. These usually appear as raised, reddish, rough growths.
Although they are premalignant, they may become malignant if not treated. Contact a dermatologist if you notice
these types of growths on your skin.
Photoaging
Long-term overexposure to the sun can cause the skin to become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. This is usually referred to as “premature aging” of the skin but is more accuratedly called actinic degeneration. Although considered a normal part of the aging process since it occurs gradually over many years, it can be avoided by using proper protection from UV radiation.
Cataracts and other Eye Damage
Cataracts result from a loss of transparency in the lens of the eye. This causes the vision to become cloudy. Total blindness may occur if cataracts are left untreated.
UV radiation has been found to increase the chance that some types of cataracts will occur. Although cataracts can be cured by surgery, cataracts affect millions of people each year.
Other kinds of eye damage caused by overexposure to UV radiation are:
- pterygium – tissue growth on the white of the eye
- skin cancer around the eyes
- macula degeneration – damage to the retina where vision is sharpest
All of these problems can be largely prevented by using proper eye protection.
Immune Suppression
Scientific studies have found that a sunburn can change the distribution and function of the disease-fighting white blood cells in humans. Repeated exposure to UV radiation may cause long-lasting damage to the body's immune system and can reduce the body's ability to fight-off skin cancer.
Next: What Your Skin Looks Like
Hey, it’s Cool in the Shade.
Protect your skin. Protect yourself.
Some pages on this website are created and maintained by kids—members of Texas 4-H.