Sun damage and skin cancers
Sun damage and skin cancers
What are sun damage and skin cancers?
Sun damage and skin cancers encompass a spectrum of conditions that result from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays from the sun can cause harm to the skin, leading to various issues such as sunburns, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancers. Dermatologists like Dr Kunene play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions to ensure optimal skin health.
Common signs of sun damage and skin cancers:
- Sunburn: Redness, pain, and peeling of the skin due to excessive UV exposure.
- Changes in moles: Irregular borders, colour variations, or growth in existing moles.
- Actinic keratosis: Rough, scaly patches on the skin.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): Pearly or waxy bumps, often with visible blood vessels.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Red nodules, open sores, or scaly areas.
- Melanoma: Asymmetrical moles, irregular borders, multiple colours, and changes in size.
Causes of sun damage and skin cancers:
- UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun.
- Tanning Beds: Artificial UV radiation sources can contribute to skin damage.
- Fair Skin: People with lighter skin tones are generally more susceptible.
- Family History: Genetic factors may increase the risk of skin cancers.
- Weakened Immune System: Conditions or medications that suppress the immune system.
How Dr Kunene diagnoses sun damage and skin cancers:
Dr Kunene employs a comprehensive approach to diagnose sun damage and skin cancers, combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic tools:
- Skin examination: Thorough examination of the skin to identify abnormalities.
- Dermoscopy: Utilising a handheld device to examine skin structures not visible to the naked eye.
- Biopsy: Removing a small sample of suspicious tissue for laboratory analysis.
How Dr Kunene treats sun damage and skin cancers:
Dr Kunene tailors treatment plans based on the specific diagnosis and individual patient needs:
- Topical treatments: For early stages of skin cancers or precancerous lesions.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing abnormal cells with liquid nitrogen.
- Excisional surgery: Surgically removing cancerous tissue with a margin of healthy skin.
- Mohs surgery: A precise technique to remove skin cancer layer by layer, minimising damage to healthy tissue.
- Radiation therapy: In certain cases, targeted radiation is used to eliminate cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Stimulating the immune system to fight cancer cells.
FAQ
1Is skin cancer preventable?
While it's not entirely preventable, adopting sun-safe practices, such as sunscreen use, protective clothing, and regular skin checks, can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancers.
2Can sun damage be reversed?
While some effects of sun damage, like premature ageing, may be managed with skin care, the damage to skin cells is generally irreversible. Prevention and early detection are key to minimising the impact of sun exposure.
3Are all moles a sign of skin cancer?
No, not all moles are cancerous. However, changes in the size, colour, shape, or borders of moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist, as these may indicate a risk of skin cancer.
