They always say that prevention is better than cure, and hence preserving the skin and protecting it from the scorching sun helps to keep the skin safe and away from skin diseases.
On the other hand, we must follow and note the changes that occur on the skin, such as blisters and spots, especially those that are red-brown in color, and also those that feel rough, as these spots can be infections with scales formed as a result of damage The skin from the sun's rays, doctors call it " solar keratosis or actinic keratosis."
Solar keratosis is a change in the skin caused by sunburn, and its symptoms include the appearance of some skin changes such as keratoses, rough or scaly areas, or scars, especially in areas most exposed to sunlight such as the forehead, nose or ear.
Although these skin infections and spots are very common and do not usually pose health risks, there is a small chance that they will turn into a type of skin cancer, known as squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cell ), according to dermatologist Dr. Dirk. Schadendorf.
UV
Spots usually appear on parts of the body that are often exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, and accumulate over a person's life. Among these exposed parts: the forehead, nose, back of the hands, arms, and the bald spot in the head.
And dermatologist Marion Moores Karby explains that such a condition usually appears after one exceeds the age of 50 or 60 years.
As for Schadendorff, “the more you protect yourself from the sun, the better for your skin,” so ideally you should apply sunscreen, such as a sunscreen or lotion, and wear a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days.
Solar keratosis
If you neglect to take such preventive precautions for a period of years, your skin is at risk of developing one or more "solar keratosis" spots. "The longer this keratosis lasts, the more dangerous it is" because damaged skin can develop into a localized, malignant tumor, warns Moores-Carpe.
She adds that this matter should not be taken lightly, because it can penetrate the skin deeply and is relatively difficult to treat, and advises early visiting a dermatologist to examine the scaly spots and red color of the skin.
There are different ways to treat solar keratosis, for example by using an ointment prescribed by the specialist doctor placed on the affected skin areas, and Schadendorff says, "Another treatment option is chemical peeling."
Squamous cell freezing
Another method of treatment is cryogenics, whereby squamous cells are frozen with liquid nitrogen, which turns them into blisters that eventually fall off, but Moores Karby points out that the disadvantage of this procedure is that it often leaves white spots.
The doctor believes that it is better to use a solution to chemically burn the affected skin, and says that it is a method that works well when the squamous cells are small.
There is another treatment method where the doctor can remove the damaged skin by scraping it or getting rid of it with a laser, and Moores Karby says that a tissue sample must first be taken to determine the depth of the skin damage, and if the damage is somewhat deep, then it can be removed through surgery affected tissue.
And Shadendorf indicates that there is another option that is phototherapy, where an ointment is placed on the skin, and allowed to permeate the skin for up to 4 hours, then the skin is exposed to a special light for several minutes, and this process may be painful and cause a kind of tingling, But the skin eventually becomes smooth and free of scars.
Temporary relief
The best method of treatment depends on the condition of the patient, and Schadendorf says: the patient must realize that regardless of the treatment, it does not always achieve recovery, but it usually provides temporary relief. The treatment softens the skin, but the condition can recur again.
If you want to avoid solar keratosis treatment, you should take precautions early, and protect yourself from the sun's rays, and it is best to avoid ultraviolet rays when they are very strong, which is often between noon and three in the afternoon.
