Prevention of Sun-Induced Skin Disorders and Sunburn (McFalls)

cumulative (no reset button)

-can produce serious, long-term complications

exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is...

-responsible for photodamage

-longest wavelength

-can penetrate the dermis

-overexposure: skin cancer and photoaging

describe Ultraviolet A (UVA):

-responsible for photodamage

-shortest wavelength

-only reaches the outermost layer of the skin

-overexposure: sunburn, skin cancer, photoaging

-synthesis of vitamin D3 in skin

describe Ultraviolet B (UVB):

removed by the ozone layer so it never hits the skin

describe Ultraviolet C (UVC):

1-2

what is UV index that poses a low risk of sunburn?

3-5

what is UV index that poses a moderate risk of sunburn?

6-7

what is UV index that poses a high risk of sunburn?

8-10

what is UV index that poses a very high risk of sunburn?

11+

what is UV index that poses an extreme risk of sunburn?

UVA and UVB

-UVR stimulates the melanocytes int he skin layer to generate and redistribute melanin

-immediate and delayed tanning

what causes a suntan?

UVB

-acute rxn to excessive UVR exposure

-inflammation of the exposed skin

what causes a sunburn?

true

TRUE OR FALSE: skin cancer is damage to your DNA

basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

what are the 2 types of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs)?

nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs)

occur on sun-exposed areas of teh body (face, head, neck, backs of hands)

-starts in basal cells in deepest part of epidermis

-grows slowly

-rarely metastasize

describe basal cell carcinoma (BCC:

-starts in squamous cells in the outer part of the epidermis

-grows slowly

-can metastasize

-often begins as a precancerous condition

describe squamous cell carcinoma (SCC):

-starts in melanocytes

-origin: normal skin and sometimes existing moles

-more likely to metastesize

-more deadly than BCC and SCC

describe melanoma:

-light skin coloring

-family history of melanoma

-personal history of skin cancer

-sun sensitivity (difficulty tanning, burning easily)

-large number of atypical nevi (moles)

-tanning bed use

-history of excessive sun exposure and sunburns

what are the risk factors for melanoma?

6-24 hours

2-3 days

how long for the maximum response of a sunburn?

how long until a sunburn fades?

-wrinkling, altered pigmentation, dryness, and thinning

-loss of skin's elasticity

sunburns can cause premature aging, what does this look like?

basal cell carcinoma

-translucent nodule

-sun-exposed areas of the head or neck

-ulceration

squamous cell carcinoma

-firm

-skin-colored or erythematous nodule or plaque

-sun-exposued areas of the body

A: asymmetric shape

B: border irregularity or poorly defined border

C: color variation within the same mole or a change in color

D: Diameter larger than 6 mm

E: Evolving or changing mole

ABC's of melanoma

avoiding sun exposure

-wear protective clothing (long pants, long sleeves, wide brimmed hat)

-avoid sun during 10am-4pm

how can sun damage be prevented?

UVB

-protects agianst UV

what does suncreen with SPF (sun protection factor) in it protect against?

broad-spectrum

-because it involves both UVA and UVB

-this absorbs and blocks transmission of UVR to epidermis

what kind of chemical suncreen do we always want to sue?

by creating a barrier to reflect and scatter UVR

-broad-spectrum and reflects both UVA and UVB

how do physical sunscreens work?

SPF 15 and above

what SPF do you need to prevent skin cancer?

SPF 30 and above

what SPF do you need to not burn so easily?

-tops of feet

-ears

-along hairline

what are the frequently missed areas that you must make sure to cover in sunscreen?

apply liberally to all sun-exposed areas of the body

-apply 15 minutes before UV exposure

-reapply as often as label recommends

what is the proper dosing / administration for sunscreen?

2 hours

if the sunscreen is water-resistant, how often should you reappply?

one ounce or 30 mL

how much sunscreen is needed to cover the entire face and body?

pediatrics: 6 months and up

geriatrics: yes

pregnant: physical only

lactating: physical only

what are the special populations for sunscreens?

systemic analgesics (short-term-acetaminiphen, ibuprofen, naproxen)

skin protectants

topical anesthetics (Alocane Severe Sunburn Gel with lidocaine 4%)

aloe vera gel

what other pharmacologic therapies can be used to aid in sunburns?

readily apparent

how long until you see short-term outcomes?

can take decades

how long until you see long-term outcomes?