UV Rays Flashcards
What are the 3 types of UV rays?
UVC, UVA, and UVB
What are UVC rays?
- Ultra dangerous, in large doses is deadly to all living creatures.
- Used in the medical field because it kills bacteria.
- Anti-bacterial
- Important to not look directly at U.V.C rays because they can cause blindness.
- Does not penetrate epidermal layers
- 280 nanometers
- Does not pass through the earth’s atmosphere
What are UVA rays?
- Causes photo aging by damaging the collagen and elastin fibres
- Is the dominant cause of tanning and premature aging
- Burns only people who have a photosensitivity to the sun (allergy to the sun) or in very large doses
- Penetrates much deeper to affect the glands called melanocytes (the gland which controls your pigmentation which gives the skin its colour i.e. Tan)
- Used by most sun beds
- Rays can penetrate through glass, you get a lot of rays while driving your car or sitting by a window
- Studies have stated UVA rays play a role in the formation of melanoma (melanoma originates in the melanocytes)
- Penetrates to the dermis, 320 - 400 nanometers.
What are UVB rays?
- Can penetrate epidermis to basal cell layer
- Causes erythema (i.e. sunburn) and can cause skin cancer (mostly non-melanoma)
- U.V.B is burning ray, causing inflammation and sunburn
- 280 to 320 nanometers
The risk for skin cancer doubles if a person has had five or more sunburns. True or False?
True
What are 4 natural body protections against UV rays?
Hyperkeratosis - thickened epidermis
Urocanical
Melanocytes - produce melanin for pigmentation
Sebum
State 10 products that may cause a photosensitive reaction.
Antibacterial agents Antibiotics Antihistamines (Allergy medications) Essential Oils Antidepressants Perfume Deodorant Insulin Hair Products Antiseptics
Give 6 examples of photosensitive reactions.
Itching Inflammation Nausea Headaches Rashes Hives Pigmentations Stains Death (In severe cases)
Define solar elastosis.
Solar elastosis is a degenerative condition of elastic tissue in the dermis from chronic sun exposure. Collagen is decreased while the amount of elastin is increased. At the same time that elastin is increased, it loses its elasticity. Over time, the structure of the skin deteriorates and each exposure causes slight but irreversible and damaging changes that accumulate over time. Solar elastosis results in the skin losing its resilience, flexibility and water holding capacity.
Describe basal cell carcinoma.
Basal cell carcinoma is non life threatening and the most common skin cancer. It is a small pale patch that enlarges, producing a center dimple, found anywhere on the body. If left untreated it will become an ulcer that does not heal. More common in fitzpatrick 1 and 2 skin types.
Describe malignant melanoma.
Malignant melanoma is the most serious skin cancer. Characterized by a blue/black discolouration of the skin; can also be tan/white. Likely to form from previous moles. A mole or freckle that may change its size and shape. If detected early, it’s curable.
When does a delayed tan begin, reach its peak and fade?
Delayed tan begins 10 hours after sun exposure, reaches its peak 4-10 days post sun exposure and begins to fade after 30 days.
Describe solar comedones.
Solar comedones is a skin condition from sun damage that forms very large comedones on the eyelids and upper cheeks. Results from years of sun exposure.
Describe seborrheic keratosis.
Seborrheic keratosis is a skin condition from sun damage that may appear on the face or torso. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a quarter. They’re a growth that looks like a scab on the skin; sometimes referred to as skin warts.
Describe actinic keratosis.
Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that can occur in any sun exposed area. It is a pink flesh colour and is dry and scaly. When actinic keratosis is touched it feels slightly sharp. If this condition is left untreated it can become squamous cell carcinoma.
