UV radiation: what we know and do we protect ourselves adequately?

Author: Masnec IS, Voda K, Situm M

Author affiliation: Clinical Department of Dermatovenerology, University Hospital "Sestre milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia. ines@kbsm.hr

Publication date & source: 2007.01, Coll Antropol., 31 Suppl 1:97-100.

Chronic sun exposure causes degenerative changes in the skin that are recognized as photoaging, immunosuppression and photocarcinogenesis. Sun is necessary for life, so total sun avoidance is impossible. Sun exposure during the first 15 years of life and blistering sunburns before age 20 have been linked to an increased risk of melanoma. Individuals who have outdoor lifestyles, live in sunny climates, and are lightly pigmented will experience the greatest degree of photoaging. In our study, performed four years ago, we have shown the knowledge of more than 4000 people about the effects of UV rays on the skin. The results show us that sun exposure is still exaggerated and uncontrolled due to the lack of knowledge about this topic. Encouraging photoprotection and improving the awareness of the general public about the harmful effects of too much sun exposure must be the leading preventative health strategy.

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