Tag: skin cancer

Once again, it is time to remind ourselves that exposure to sun’s rays can be healthy and harmful. They can make us look good and make us feel healthy. They can also damage our skin and can even kill us. There are more than 25 human disorders that are either caused by or aggravated by exposure of the skin to sunlight. But exposure to sunlight is also the most potent and natural way to manufacture vitamin D in our body.

Now, did you ever think that exposure to sunlight can be lethal?

When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, there is immediate increase in the number of melanocytes and production of melanin pigment. This results in tanning. The amount of melanin produced is genetically determined. That is why some people burn easily without tanning. Melanin also acts as a filter to decrease the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays to the dermis.

The reason people want to tan is to look like me – just kidding! The real reason is they want to look good. They think tanning is healthy. Somehow a tanned person looks healthier if it is not overdone. That is if you haven’t baked yourself.

But the beastly thing is melanoma arises from melanocytes, the very cells which give us a false sense of looking good. Melanoma is a skin cancer if not treated early can be lethal. The death rate from melanoma continues to rise about two per cent annually.

There are two other skin cancers which do not kill but can cause local disfigurement if not treated. These are: basal cell and squamous cell cancers. The risk of skin cancer is increased in individuals who spend too much time outdoors; children who have had episodic sunburn, and if there is a family or personal history of skin cancer (especially melanoma).

What is interesting is, despite having a good understanding of the relation between overexposure to the sun and skin cancer, 81per cent of North Americans still think they look good after being in the sun.

There are indeed benefits to exposing your skin to the sunrays in moderation before 10 a.m. and after four in the afternoon. When the skin is exposed to sun’s ultraviolet rays the skin makes vitamin D, which is rapidly absorbed in the blood and can be stored for several months, mostly in the blood and fat tissue.

We have always known vitamin D is needed for good health and strong bones and teeth. In the last few months, several reports have appeared which advance the case for universal intake of vitamin D on a daily basis to prevent certain types of cancer.

Increased intake of vitamin D helps prevent falls in the elderly. A report in the journal Nutrition Reviews suggests that adults should daily take 2,000 IU of vitamin D to help prevent some cancers. The Canadian Cancer Society is now recommended taking 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily as a cancer prevention step. Experts suggest taking supplements of no more than 2,000 IU per day.

Have you started taking vitamin D yet?

If not, then you need to spend some time out in the sun for your body to manufacture enough vitamin D to last you through the winter. But care and moderation is required. Avoid prolonged exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. To protect the eyes wear good quality sunglasses which block ultraviolet rays.

So, enjoy the summer carefully, if and when it arrives.

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Dear Dr. B: My mother tells me that I have a very beautiful skin and I should take care of it. She says skin has many important functions to keep us healthy. Is that true? What does skin really do?

Answer: Yes, your mother is right. Skin is not only the largest organ of our body but has many important functions to protect us from environment. Skin is constantly exposed to sun, wind, industrial elements and injuries.

Summer is officially here and it is a good time to remind ourselves what a good job our skin does to protect us and keep us healthy. It is an organ we take for granted. But we should know better than that.

Skin is thick and waterproof. Skin is a protector, a temperature regulator and has a very sharp sensitive device. Skin has a capacity to excrete fluid and electrolytes. It stores fat and synthesizes vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet rays. Skin has great absorbing capacity and it can absorb many chemicals and drugs.

It plays an important role in maintaining body temperature. When a person feels hot the blood vessels in the skin dilate and sweat secretion increases. The body loses heat by radiation from the large amount of blood circulating through the dilated blood vessels in the skin and by evaporation of sweat.

Our skin has millions of sensitive nerve endings. These nerve endings act as antennas to give us pleasure or protect us from heat, cold, pressure and pain.

Our skin is full of hair except the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Hair on the head grows faster, 12 mm (half-an-inch) per month or five inches a year. Hair on the rest of the body grows more slowly. Hair keeps us warm and protects us from dust and sand.
Hair is sensitive to touch.

What about nails? We have fingernails and toenails. Nails are small in size but they play an important role, serving to help protect our fingers and toes and improve dexterity. They also may reveal clues to our general health.

Sweat glands are found in almost every part of the skin. They normally release a little fluid all the time, and as this fluid evaporates, our body cools off. If we need to cool off then these glands can get stimulated to be more active. They secrete even more fluid and help us cool off more thanks to skin temperature nerve endings.

Oil glands (sebaceous glands) produce oil secretion known as sebum. The sebum spreads on the skin. It prevents excess water loss, lubricates and softens the skin and hair. It keeps the skin flexible and waterproof. Hormones control the production of sebum. Sebum is mildly toxic to some bacteria.

So, you can see how much skin can do to protect us. It is indeed an important organ. Look after it. Protect it against the damaging effects of sun, wind and harmful chemicals. If your mother thinks your skin is beautiful then she is right. You owe it to her and to yourself to look after it.

Start reading the preview of my book A Doctor's Journey for free on Amazon. Available on Kindle for $2.99!