Healthy Aging Month: Staying Safe in the Sun
As you celebrate Healthy Aging Month, it's crucial to remember one of the primary factors affecting your skin's health and appearance: the sun.
Sun exposure can lead to sun damage, and for many of us, that can mean serious skin problems. Learn how to understand this problem, its symptoms, and the medical help available to you from Keys Dermatology.
Understanding Sun Damage
Sun damage, technically called “photodamage,” results from prolonged exposure to the sun's rays. Initially, it might manifest as simple uneven pigmentation, sun spots, or minor blemishes.
But prolonged exposure can escalate the problem to more serious skin conditions, including skin cancer. Factors amplifying the risk of sun damage include:
- Not using sunblock
- Extended sun exposure
- Sunburn episodes
- Having light skin
- Certain skin diseases
- Genetic factors
- Specific medications
Symptoms To Be Aware Of
The repercussions of sun damage vary greatly from person to person.
There's a broad spectrum of symptoms, from sunburns and freckles to premature aging, discolorations like melasma, rough skin texture, and even wrinkles. But the particularly concerning signs you should watch for include:
- Sunspots
- Lip lines
- Lines around the eyes (crow’s feet)
- Skin pigment changes
These symptoms serve as red flags, telling you there’s a need for professional advice and help.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Keys Dermatology offers a personalized approach to skincare. The initial step involves a thorough consultation, where the dermatologist evaluates the skin's condition, answers questions, and recommends diagnostic tests. Also, it's advisable to undergo a complete skin cancer exam as a preventive measure.
Early detection is crucial in managing skin cancer effectively. Treatment options to reverse sun damage range from prescription creams, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser therapy to cryotherapy. And for those concerned about sun-induced skin cancer, Keys Dermatology specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures, including Mohs surgery.
Schedule a Consultation Today
The sun is not always your skin's best friend.
With its dedicated team, Keys Dermatology has been serving the Florida Keys community for over two decades, ensuring that the aging journey is as graceful and healthy as possible.
Schedule a consultation today by calling 305.664.8828 or visiting the Keys Dermatology website.
