Skin damages due to chronic sun exposure
Dr Shibu Mohammed, a dermatologist, sheds light on the most common skin problems
DIPNA JACOB
With long summers in the region, we are exposed to the harsh sun for almost 8 months. Continuous exposure to the sun can cause various skin-related issues and can sometimes lead to chronic skin disease, even skin cancer.
Talking to Times of Oman, Dr Shibu Mohammed, dermatologist sheds light on the most common skin problems affecting people due to chronic exposure to sunlight. Visit a dermatologist if you are affected by any of the symptoms mentioned below:
Photodermatitis: It is an abnormal skin reaction to the sunlight or UV rays. You may develop rashes and redness all over the face, neck, forearm and chest area or the exposed area of your skin. It also causes heavy itching.
Polymorphic light eruption: It is a skin rash caused by exposure to sunlight. The most common form of polymorphic light eruption is found as a circular lesion at the nape accompanied by severe itching, redness and plaque formation. It also appears on head, neck, chest or arms.
Folliculitis: It is a common form of skin condition where the hair follicles are inflamed due to heat and sun. It is usually caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, which is due to sweat, dirt and pollution. It is normally seen in labourers whose work involves being outdoors. Pimple-like lesions on the scalp and face mark it. In chronic condition, these pimples discharge pus and blood.
Fungal infection: It is common during summer and is caused by the yeast, which lives on our skin. Rashes appear with the outgrowth of yeast in the body. As we all have accustomed to the use of ACs in office or at home, we tend to switch on the AC as soon as we are indoors. With the immediate varying body temperature of hot sweat while in the sun and exposure to moist cold in the car or within, a building can cause fungal infection. Taking bath twice a day in the morning and before bedtime is advisable as skin should be washed every 6 to 8 hours.
Miliaria: It is a condition marked by fine acne-like lesions on the face, neck and torso. It is also called sweat rash.
Sunburn: Redness and swelling of the skin due to overexposure to the sun. It causes burning sensation of the skin, hot to touch, painful, fatigue and dizziness.
Hyperpigmentation: Being exposed to sunlight for a longer duration can lead to hyperpigmentation, which is difficult to fade. The cells in the skin may die and may result in wrinkled skin. Regular application of sunscreen every two hours is a must irrespective of whether you are indoors and outdoors. Moreover, use moisturising cream at night.
Dr Shibu concluded with a request to the employers to supply and advocate the use of sunscreen to the blue-collar workers and insurance companies to include sunscreen lotion in insurance, saying, “Blue collar workers working under the sun are not much aware of the sunscreen and also they cannot afford it. I advise the companies to provide sunscreen to those employees whose work involves working under the sun since they are prone to skin damage. In addition, companies should comply with the ministry rule of afternoon break so that they are not exposed to harsh sunlight during the peak time. Workers who have worked for more than 6 to 7 years in this region are prone to skin cancer and we have seen a number of such cases.”