Showing posts with label damage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label damage. Show all posts
Isabel Damage Control Tips
Monday, May 19, 2014
Isabel De Los Rios SAYS:
Do you think I never “fall off the wagon”?
…Like the brownies at the neighbors party... holding me hostage in one corner of the room, rendering me completely helpless with no emergency organic carrots in sight.
Yes, yes, that was me…..
I get this email from clients all the time, “Isabel, I totally blew it on my diet last night. Now what do I do?” Yup, I’ve been there: bloated, disappointed, and feeling a bit defeated.
The trick here is getting away from this downward spiral ASAP. You’ve got to get right back on the wagon right where you fell off and for most of us that’s just 1-2 healthy meals away.
Here are my “Isabel Damage Control Tips”.
They will get you back on track and feeling back to your normal (or not so normal) healthy self faster than you can say “brownie”.
1. Eliminate wheat and dairy for 2-3 days after the “incident”.
I know what you’re thinking….”What does this girl have against wheat and dairy?” Well for starters they are the 2 most inflammatory foods that cause bloating in most people. Not to mention when people overeat, it is usually on wheat and dairy foods: cookies, cakes, ice-cream, pasta, bread. Ever heard of anyone overdosing on brown rice? Or poultry? Doesn’t really happen. If it has wheat or dairy, just eliminate it from your meal plan until you are back on track with your healthy eating and rid of the “after party bloat”.
2. Drink tons of water!
Of course, this rule is applicable all the time, but after a “binge” water is even more important. I also like to add a few squeezes of fresh lemon in my water for the “detoxifying” effects. Fresh lemon helps to cleanse the liver and a squeaky clean liver will assist in your weight loss efforts.
3. Add in some extra walking.
If I’ve packed in one too many calories, I get my body moving even more. Just adding in an extra 20 minutes of walking for the next few days gets me feeling back on track. I have even taken a trip to the mall just to do laps around the place. I get to people watch, see what’s on sale, and burn calories all at the same time.
Just in case it was you being held hostage by the brownies at last night’s party, have no fear. You’re new mantra is …”Ain’t no silly brownies taking me down.”
Yes, yes, that was me…..
I get this email from clients all the time, “Isabel, I totally blew it on my diet last night. Now what do I do?” Yup, I’ve been there: bloated, disappointed, and feeling a bit defeated.
The trick here is getting away from this downward spiral ASAP. You’ve got to get right back on the wagon right where you fell off and for most of us that’s just 1-2 healthy meals away.
Here are my “Isabel Damage Control Tips”.
They will get you back on track and feeling back to your normal (or not so normal) healthy self faster than you can say “brownie”.
1. Eliminate wheat and dairy for 2-3 days after the “incident”.
I know what you’re thinking….”What does this girl have against wheat and dairy?” Well for starters they are the 2 most inflammatory foods that cause bloating in most people. Not to mention when people overeat, it is usually on wheat and dairy foods: cookies, cakes, ice-cream, pasta, bread. Ever heard of anyone overdosing on brown rice? Or poultry? Doesn’t really happen. If it has wheat or dairy, just eliminate it from your meal plan until you are back on track with your healthy eating and rid of the “after party bloat”.
2. Drink tons of water!
Of course, this rule is applicable all the time, but after a “binge” water is even more important. I also like to add a few squeezes of fresh lemon in my water for the “detoxifying” effects. Fresh lemon helps to cleanse the liver and a squeaky clean liver will assist in your weight loss efforts.
3. Add in some extra walking.
If I’ve packed in one too many calories, I get my body moving even more. Just adding in an extra 20 minutes of walking for the next few days gets me feeling back on track. I have even taken a trip to the mall just to do laps around the place. I get to people watch, see what’s on sale, and burn calories all at the same time.
Just in case it was you being held hostage by the brownies at last night’s party, have no fear. You’re new mantra is …”Ain’t no silly brownies taking me down.”
In health and happiness,
Isabel De Los Rios
Certified Nutritionist
Certified Exercise Specialist
http://www.beyonddiet.com/Members/Articles/I-blew-it-on-my-Diet-Now-What
Marcia: Well -- I got that e-mail just in time.
I ate completely on track today. Have been losing weight a little bit every day. Went for a swim today. My swim buddy seems to be making a lot of appointments during the time we swim so Ive been going on my own the last couple of times.
Last week I was sick with the cold that was going around but this time I only used steam to relieve my sinuses and my body seemed to like that treatment the best. I have a Vicks vaporizer in my bedroom but I dont like to leave it on all night because it tends to make the air too humid (to the point of making condensation on the kitchen windows.) So what I do is have it hooked up to a surge protector that has an on/off switch. It comes up to steam pretty fast, so on my way into the bathroom I turn it on, and by the time Im done in there it is putting out a good bit of steam. I hover over it, breathing in the moist air until my sinuses get moisturized and relaxed and my chest loosens up. This might occur from two to three times during the night and it is better than any OTC or even prescription drug I have ever tried.
I vowed not to take any more antibiotics unless I am at deaths door and there is no way around it. The last couple of times I took them they attacked my tendons and Im not interested in doing that again. My left knee feels mostly healed but from time to time I get a twinge that reminds me I need to be caul with it for at least six months while it continues to heal.
Im sure that the prayers that were said for me by my friends at church is what has healed me. The Lord is continuously good.
I noticed I was going through the withdrawals today. I kept getting hungry so I kept eating portions of raw veggies and protein. Right now I feel completely full and satisfied. The raw veggies and protein eaten over a period of time, really do take care of the cravings. I feel as though Ive gotten back on line again.
It is always one day at a time. One meal at a time. One mouthful at a time.
Hope all is well with you,
I ate completely on track today. Have been losing weight a little bit every day. Went for a swim today. My swim buddy seems to be making a lot of appointments during the time we swim so Ive been going on my own the last couple of times.
Last week I was sick with the cold that was going around but this time I only used steam to relieve my sinuses and my body seemed to like that treatment the best. I have a Vicks vaporizer in my bedroom but I dont like to leave it on all night because it tends to make the air too humid (to the point of making condensation on the kitchen windows.) So what I do is have it hooked up to a surge protector that has an on/off switch. It comes up to steam pretty fast, so on my way into the bathroom I turn it on, and by the time Im done in there it is putting out a good bit of steam. I hover over it, breathing in the moist air until my sinuses get moisturized and relaxed and my chest loosens up. This might occur from two to three times during the night and it is better than any OTC or even prescription drug I have ever tried.
I vowed not to take any more antibiotics unless I am at deaths door and there is no way around it. The last couple of times I took them they attacked my tendons and Im not interested in doing that again. My left knee feels mostly healed but from time to time I get a twinge that reminds me I need to be caul with it for at least six months while it continues to heal.
Im sure that the prayers that were said for me by my friends at church is what has healed me. The Lord is continuously good.
I noticed I was going through the withdrawals today. I kept getting hungry so I kept eating portions of raw veggies and protein. Right now I feel completely full and satisfied. The raw veggies and protein eaten over a period of time, really do take care of the cravings. I feel as though Ive gotten back on line again.
It is always one day at a time. One meal at a time. One mouthful at a time.
Hope all is well with you,
Be back soon,
Marcia
5 Reasons to eat donuts can damage your health!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
5 Reasons to eat donuts can damage your health! - Who does not like donuts? Soft bread and a variety of flavors that melted sugar on it, it could make a lot of people are tempted. But do not eat too many donuts, donuts as well as can give a bad effect on health.
Here are some reasons you should reduce or even stop eating donuts right now, as reported by Fitnea.
1. Unhealthy
Unlike the donuts are made or created by home-based entrepreneurs, the donuts are made in a large kitchen then distributed to different outlets in different town or city is clearly not directly removed from the oven, or in other words not fresh . If fresh, you should also pay attention to the oil used to fry them. Most of the oil used to fry donuts in large-scale effort only replaced once every two weeks. Meanwhile, good donuts usually only last up to several hours. So you definitely will not want to eat donuts that are already on shelves all day.
2. Damage teeth
If you are eating too many donuts, it would be easily perforated teeth and gums will bleed more easily. Donut sugar levels can cause damage to the teeth. For that, you should reduce the consumption of donuts now before your teeth porous and must be paid with the expensive treatment.
3. Raise the weight
Many donuts can make you fatter and more easily tired. In addition to the sugars contained in it, also contains fat donut that could make fat. Instead of eating too many donuts, you should start eating more healthy foods like salad or fruit.
4. Interfere with mental health
Chemical substances contained in the donut could make his brain work with the maximum. People who eat too many donuts have a tendency to make decisions too hastily that will eventually harm.
5. Increase risk of diabetes
Besides leading to faster fat, eating too many donuts can also make you more quickly get diabetes. This is because fat and sugar contained in the donut. People who eat a lot of donuts along with a passive lifestyle and rarely exercise would make them more susceptible to diseases such as obesity and diabetes. For that, reduce the consumption of donuts from now on.
Those are some negative effects that you can get if you eat too many donuts. You may enjoy the occasional donut. But not too much, and offset by other, more healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits, and others. It also did a good lifestyle with exercise diligent and always active to counteract the negative effects.
Here are some reasons you should reduce or even stop eating donuts right now, as reported by Fitnea.
1. Unhealthy
Unlike the donuts are made or created by home-based entrepreneurs, the donuts are made in a large kitchen then distributed to different outlets in different town or city is clearly not directly removed from the oven, or in other words not fresh . If fresh, you should also pay attention to the oil used to fry them. Most of the oil used to fry donuts in large-scale effort only replaced once every two weeks. Meanwhile, good donuts usually only last up to several hours. So you definitely will not want to eat donuts that are already on shelves all day.
2. Damage teeth
If you are eating too many donuts, it would be easily perforated teeth and gums will bleed more easily. Donut sugar levels can cause damage to the teeth. For that, you should reduce the consumption of donuts now before your teeth porous and must be paid with the expensive treatment.
3. Raise the weight
Many donuts can make you fatter and more easily tired. In addition to the sugars contained in it, also contains fat donut that could make fat. Instead of eating too many donuts, you should start eating more healthy foods like salad or fruit.
4. Interfere with mental health
Chemical substances contained in the donut could make his brain work with the maximum. People who eat too many donuts have a tendency to make decisions too hastily that will eventually harm.
5. Increase risk of diabetes
Besides leading to faster fat, eating too many donuts can also make you more quickly get diabetes. This is because fat and sugar contained in the donut. People who eat a lot of donuts along with a passive lifestyle and rarely exercise would make them more susceptible to diseases such as obesity and diabetes. For that, reduce the consumption of donuts from now on.
Those are some negative effects that you can get if you eat too many donuts. You may enjoy the occasional donut. But not too much, and offset by other, more healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits, and others. It also did a good lifestyle with exercise diligent and always active to counteract the negative effects.
Smoking During Pregnancy Cause Blood Vessel Damage Children
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Health for human | feel strange when pregnant some women still smoke during pregnancy though. Most people really find it difficult to quit smoking. A new study suggests smoking during pregnancy can cause the child has a blood vessel damage.
The study was conducted by Dutch researchers, which has involved more than 250 babies. When the baby is 4 weeks old, dimensions and lung function measured. At the same time, their parents completed questionnaires on factors such as smoking during pregnancy.
When the babies are 5 weeks old, the researchers used ultrasound to measure carotid artery thickness and flexibility. Carotid arteries are large blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain.
Carotid artery wall in children aged 5 years whose mothers smoked during pregnancy have a thickness of about 19 microns and 15 percent more rigid compared with mothers who did not smoke.
If both parents smoked while the baby is in utero, carotid artery children almost have a thickness of 28 microns and 21 percent more rigid than the infants whose parents did not smoke during pregnancy. Such changes may indicate damage to the blood vessels that can affect blood vessel function.
The study was conducted by Dutch researchers, which has involved more than 250 babies. When the baby is 4 weeks old, dimensions and lung function measured. At the same time, their parents completed questionnaires on factors such as smoking during pregnancy.
When the babies are 5 weeks old, the researchers used ultrasound to measure carotid artery thickness and flexibility. Carotid arteries are large blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain.
Carotid artery wall in children aged 5 years whose mothers smoked during pregnancy have a thickness of about 19 microns and 15 percent more rigid compared with mothers who did not smoke.
If both parents smoked while the baby is in utero, carotid artery children almost have a thickness of 28 microns and 21 percent more rigid than the infants whose parents did not smoke during pregnancy. Such changes may indicate damage to the blood vessels that can affect blood vessel function.
7 Things that damage eye health
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
7 Things that damage eye health - Lifestyle, work culture, eating habits, polluted environment and attitude towards their health is a factor that can affect the overall health of the body. Lifestyle that we follow today put too much pressure on the body which in turn makes our risk of contracting various diseases. And eyes be one part of the body that is often affected by an unhealthy lifestyle that we live today. Here are some things that can damage the health of our eyes, as reported Boldsky.
1. Smoke
Smoking has adverse effects on overall body health. This bad habit can also damage the eyes. There are many chemicals in smoke that can damage sensitive parts of the retina, called the macula.
2. Tired eyes
Sometimes, without realizing we are putting too much pressure on our eyes. We often work at a computer, watching TV, playing video games, read or continue learning for hours. It causes eye fatigue which can lead to eye damage.
3. UV rays
You are always advised to wear sunglasses every time you go out. You know why? Because ultraviolet rays from the sun can be harmful to eye health. These rays can burn the cornea and cause damage to the eye lens and retina. In addition, UV rays also increases the risk of cataracts.
4. High blood pressure
High blood pressure can be very harmful for the eyes if not treated. It damages the blood vessels in the retina, the area at the back of the eye. This disease is known as hypertensive retinopathy.
5. Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are more likely to develop some eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, in which the retina can be damaged severely.
6. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake can be harmful to the body, including the eyes. Alcohol can cause problems with your vision and overall eye health. You may experience a decrease in visual performance, reaction pipil slow, frequent migraines, eye redness and decreased contrast sensitivity.
7. Unhealthy food
If you follow an unhealthy diet and the body does not get the nutrients needed for healthy eyes, you will be more susceptible to many diseases of the eye. Vitamin A deficiency causes blindness or difficulty seeing at night and dry eye terrace. Similarly, low intake of vitamin B-12 can cause blurred vision or double vision.
Here are seven things that can damage the health of your eyes. Remember, it is better to prevent than cure!
1. Smoke
Smoking has adverse effects on overall body health. This bad habit can also damage the eyes. There are many chemicals in smoke that can damage sensitive parts of the retina, called the macula.
2. Tired eyes
Sometimes, without realizing we are putting too much pressure on our eyes. We often work at a computer, watching TV, playing video games, read or continue learning for hours. It causes eye fatigue which can lead to eye damage.
3. UV rays
You are always advised to wear sunglasses every time you go out. You know why? Because ultraviolet rays from the sun can be harmful to eye health. These rays can burn the cornea and cause damage to the eye lens and retina. In addition, UV rays also increases the risk of cataracts.
4. High blood pressure
High blood pressure can be very harmful for the eyes if not treated. It damages the blood vessels in the retina, the area at the back of the eye. This disease is known as hypertensive retinopathy.
5. Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are more likely to develop some eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, in which the retina can be damaged severely.
6. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake can be harmful to the body, including the eyes. Alcohol can cause problems with your vision and overall eye health. You may experience a decrease in visual performance, reaction pipil slow, frequent migraines, eye redness and decreased contrast sensitivity.
7. Unhealthy food
If you follow an unhealthy diet and the body does not get the nutrients needed for healthy eyes, you will be more susceptible to many diseases of the eye. Vitamin A deficiency causes blindness or difficulty seeing at night and dry eye terrace. Similarly, low intake of vitamin B-12 can cause blurred vision or double vision.
Here are seven things that can damage the health of your eyes. Remember, it is better to prevent than cure!
Soda and illegal drugs cause similar damage to teeth
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Addicted to soda? You may be shocked to learn that drinking large quantities of your favorite carbonated soda could be as damaging to your teeth as methamphetamine and crack cocaine use. The consumption of illegal drugs and abusive intake of soda can cause similar damage to your mouth through the process of tooth erosion, according to a case study published in the March/April 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
Tooth erosion occurs when acid wears away tooth enamel, which is the glossy, protective outside layer of the tooth. Without the protection of enamel, teeth are more susceptible to developing cavities, as well as becoming sensitive, cracked, and discolored.
The General Dentistry case study compared the damage in three individuals mouths—an admitted user of methamphetamine, a previous longtime user of cocaine, and an excessive diet soda drinker. Each participant admitted to having poor oral hygiene and not visiting a dentist on a regular basis. Researchers found the same type and severity of damage from tooth erosion in each participants mouth.
"Each person experienced severe tooth erosion caused by the high acid levels present in their drug of choice—meth, crack, or soda," says Mohamed A. Bassiouny, DMD, MSc, PhD, lead author of the study.
"The citric acid present in both regular and diet soda is known to have a high potential for causing tooth erosion," says Dr. Bassiouny.
Similar to citric acid, the ingredients used in preparing methamphetamine can include extremely corrosive materials, such as battery acid, lantern fuel, and drain cleaner. Crack cocaine is highly acidic in nature, as well.
The individual who abused soda consumed 2 liters of diet soda daily for three to five years. Says Dr. Bassiouny, "The striking similarities found in this study should be a wake-up call to consumers who think that soda—even diet soda—is not harmful to their oral health."
AGD Spokesperson Eugene Antenucci, DDS, FAGD, recommends that his patients minimize their intake of soda and drink more water. Additionally, he advises them to either chew sugar-free gum or rinse the mouth with water following consumption of soda. "Both tactics increase saliva flow, which naturally helps to return the acidity levels in the mouth to normal," he says.
Watch out often heading the ball can damage the brain
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Watch out, often heading the ball can damage the brain - Menyudul techniques balls or so-called heading is usually done by the soccer players are known to cause problems in the brain. Not only that, this technique can also make football players risk of memory loss, according to new research.
Effect heading committed by football players known to almost the same as the patient is injured trauma on the brain, based on the results of the scan. This result is known to researchers after observing the brain scans of 37 amateur soccer players.
Researchers found changes in the white part of the brain that contains millions of nerve in the brain footballer. These nerve fibers serve as a liaison between the inside of the brain.
"We chose to observe soccer players because football is the most popular game in the world. Football played by many people of all ages, including children. Additionally there is concern about the ball menyudul techniques that can be harmful to the brain," said lead researcher Dr Michael Lipton of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in New York, as reported by the Telegraph.
They found that players who frequently headed the ball up to 1,800 times a year has a bad score in the memory test. Participants who began the study has been playing soccer for 22 years. They also played for 10 months in the year before the study.
Effect heading committed by football players known to almost the same as the patient is injured trauma on the brain, based on the results of the scan. This result is known to researchers after observing the brain scans of 37 amateur soccer players.
Researchers found changes in the white part of the brain that contains millions of nerve in the brain footballer. These nerve fibers serve as a liaison between the inside of the brain.
"We chose to observe soccer players because football is the most popular game in the world. Football played by many people of all ages, including children. Additionally there is concern about the ball menyudul techniques that can be harmful to the brain," said lead researcher Dr Michael Lipton of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, in New York, as reported by the Telegraph.
They found that players who frequently headed the ball up to 1,800 times a year has a bad score in the memory test. Participants who began the study has been playing soccer for 22 years. They also played for 10 months in the year before the study.
Chamomile Tea May Lower Blood Glucose and Reduce Damage to Eyes Nerves and Kidneys
Friday, January 24, 2014
Its not a panacea. Diet and exercise play a larger role in mitigating complications of diabetes. But if you enjoy tea, or are open to having a cup with meals, choosing one with chamomile may help you manage your diabetes.A study from the September 10 issue of the American Chemical Societys Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry reported:1
"These results clearly suggested that daily consumption of chamomile tea with meals could contribute to the prevention of the progress of hyperglycemia and diabetic complications."The researchers, from Japan and the United Kingdom, fed a chamomile hot water extract to diabetic mice for 21 days, after which the chamomile-fed rats blood glucose was found to be 26% lower than that of control diabetic mice. (I cant tell if they measured a fasting glucose. It looks like they did, since they er to glucose in the blood being derived from liver glycogen. In fact, one of their suggested mechanisms for blood glucose reduction was inhibition of hepatic glycogen breakdown. Indeed, chamomile-fed rats had consistently higher levels of liver glycogen, as did those who received quercetin, one of chamomiles major flavonoid components.)
The enzyme aldose reductase (ALR2) was also found to be inhibited by the chamomile extract. ALR2 converts glucose to sorbitol. In people with diabetes, sorbitol accumulates in greater amounts in cells and has been implicated in the development of cataracts, retinopathy, nerve damage, and kidney damage.
A few related points the study made:
"Chamomile is one of the richest sources of dietary antioxidants. [These compounds] are soluble in hot water, and the amounts obtained from frequent consumption of tea are not negligible."I just added chamomile tea to my shopping list.
"There is substantial evidence that these compounds have suppressive activity on oxidative damage to skins, membranes, proteins, and DNA by inhibiting free radical scavenging activity and contribute to protection against chronic health disorders such as atherosclerosis and hypertension."
"A recent study demonstrated that chamomile plant extract suppresses the growth of human cancer cells."
1 Protective Effects of Dietary Chamomile Tea on Diabetic Complications (HTML - abstract) (PDF - full article)
Recognize the Signs of Skin Damage
Thursday, January 23, 2014
The Dark Side of Sun Exposure
Basking in the warm glow of the sun can make us feel good, and in the short term, makes us look good. But the cumulative effects of sun exposure put us at higher risk of cellular damage, early wrinkling, age spots, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer -- including melanoma, the most serious type. Can you spot the effects of excessive sun exposure?
Suntan
Tanned skin may be revered as beautiful, but that golden color you see is the result of injury to the epidermis, the top layer of skin. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays accelerates the effects of aging and increases your risk for developing skin cancer. To prevent sun damage, use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. If you have fair skin or burn easily, boost your SPF to 30 or higher.
Sunburn (First-Degree Burns)
Sunburn is skin damage from the suns UV rays. Most sunburns result in redness, heat to the touch, and mild pain, affecting only the outer layer of skin (first degree burns). Sunburn usually appears within hours after sun exposure and may take several days to weeks to fade. Pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, cold compresses, and aloe, hydrocortisone, or moisturizing creams may help reduce pain and discomfort.
Sunburn (Second Degree)
A second degree burn – damaging deep skin layers and nerve endings – is usually more painful and takes longer to heal. It’s characterized by redness, swelling, and blistering. If blisters form, do not break them – they’re a source of moisture and protection. Breaking the blisters may lead to infection. Consider seeing a doctor if you have a blistered sunburn.
Wrinkles
The sun’s rays make skin look old and wrinkled years before it should. More than 80% of the signs of skin aging in adults are the result of the tans they had as teens before the age of 18. That’s because over time, the suns ultraviolet light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers breakdown, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching.
Uneven Skin Tone
Too much sun also causes irregular coloring or pigmentation of the skin. Some areas of the skin appear darker, while others look lighter. The sun can also cause a permanent stretching of small blood vessels, giving your skin a reddish appearance.
Freckles
Flat, pigmented spots on the skin, freckles are usually found on sun-exposed areas of the body. They’re more noticeable in the summer, especially among fair-skinned people and those with light or red hair. Freckles pose no health risk. But some cancers in the earliest stages resemble a freckle. See a doctor if the size, shape, or color of a spot changes or becomes painful.
Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)
Melasma (or chloasma) is characterized by tan or brown patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Although usually called the "pregnancy mask," men can also develop it. Melasma may go away after pregnancy. If it persists, melasma can be treated with prescription creams and over-the-counter products. Use a sunscreen at all times if you have melasma, as sunlight worsens the condition.
Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
These pesky brown or gray spots are not really caused by aging, though they do multiply as you get older. Age spots are the result of sun exposure, which is why they tend to appear on areas that get a lot of sun, such as the face, hands, and chest. Bleaching creams, acid peels, and light-based treatments may lessen their appearance. Solar lentigines are harmless, but to rule out serious skin conditions such as melanoma, see a dermatologist for proper identification.
Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis)
The small, scaly red, brown, or skin-colored patches caused by too much sun exposure commonly occur on the head, neck or hands, but can be found elsewhere on the body. They’re the early beginnings of skin cancer. Actinic keratosis usually appears on people after age 40, but they can show up in much younger people. People with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes are most at risk. Early treatment is advised to stop the possible progression to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
Actinic Cheilitis (Farmer’s Lip)
Related to actinic keratosis, actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition that usually appears on the lower lips. Scaly patches or persistent dryness and cracking of the lips may be present. Less common symptoms include swelling of the lip, loss of the sharp border between the lip and skin, and prominent lip lines. Actinic cheilitis may eventually evolve into invasive squamous cell carcinoma if not treated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This nonmelanoma skin cancer may appear as a firm red nodule, a scaly growth that bleeds or develops a crust, or a sore that doesn’t heal. It most often occurs on the nose, forehead, ears, lower lip, hands, and other sun-exposed areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is curable if caught and treated early. If the skin cancer becomes more advanced, treatment will depend on the stage of cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma is the most easily treatable and least likely to spread, though it can damage surrounding tissue. Because basal cell carcinoma spreads slowly it occurs mostly in adults. Basal cell tumors can take on many forms, including a pearly white or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels, on the ears, neck, or face. Tumors can also appear as a flat, scaly, flesh-colored or brown patch on the back or chest, or more rarely, a white, waxy scar.
Bowen Disease
Bowen disease is also called squamous cell carcinoma “in situ.” It is a typeof skin cancer that spreads outward on the surface of the skin. By contrast, “invasive” squamous cell carcinomas can grow inward and spread to the interior of the body. Bowen disease looks like scaly, reddish patches that may be crusted. It may turn into squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma
Melanoma is not as common as other types of skin cancer, but it’s the most serious and potentially deadly. Possible signs of melanoma include a change in the appearance of a mole or pigmented area. Consult a doctor if a mole changes in size, shape, or color, has irregular edges, is more than one color, is asymmetrical, or itches, oozes, or bleeds. Melanoma can affect the skin only, or it may spread to organs and bones. It can be cured if it’s found and treated early.
Shun the Sun
The best way to prevent sunburn, premature wrinkles, skin cancer, and other damaging effects from the sun is to stay out of it, especially between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. If you can’t, apply sunscreen liberally (don’t forget the lips and ears!), wear a hat and sunglasses, and cover up with clothing when outdoors. If you notice changes to your skin such as a mole changing appearance, a new growth, or a sore that wont heal, see a doctor right way.
Basking in the warm glow of the sun can make us feel good, and in the short term, makes us look good. But the cumulative effects of sun exposure put us at higher risk of cellular damage, early wrinkling, age spots, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer -- including melanoma, the most serious type. Can you spot the effects of excessive sun exposure?
Suntan
Tanned skin may be revered as beautiful, but that golden color you see is the result of injury to the epidermis, the top layer of skin. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays accelerates the effects of aging and increases your risk for developing skin cancer. To prevent sun damage, use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. If you have fair skin or burn easily, boost your SPF to 30 or higher.
Sunburn (First-Degree Burns)
Sunburn is skin damage from the suns UV rays. Most sunburns result in redness, heat to the touch, and mild pain, affecting only the outer layer of skin (first degree burns). Sunburn usually appears within hours after sun exposure and may take several days to weeks to fade. Pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, cold compresses, and aloe, hydrocortisone, or moisturizing creams may help reduce pain and discomfort.
Sunburn (Second Degree)
A second degree burn – damaging deep skin layers and nerve endings – is usually more painful and takes longer to heal. It’s characterized by redness, swelling, and blistering. If blisters form, do not break them – they’re a source of moisture and protection. Breaking the blisters may lead to infection. Consider seeing a doctor if you have a blistered sunburn.
Wrinkles
The sun’s rays make skin look old and wrinkled years before it should. More than 80% of the signs of skin aging in adults are the result of the tans they had as teens before the age of 18. That’s because over time, the suns ultraviolet light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers breakdown, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place after stretching.
Uneven Skin Tone
Too much sun also causes irregular coloring or pigmentation of the skin. Some areas of the skin appear darker, while others look lighter. The sun can also cause a permanent stretching of small blood vessels, giving your skin a reddish appearance.
Freckles
Flat, pigmented spots on the skin, freckles are usually found on sun-exposed areas of the body. They’re more noticeable in the summer, especially among fair-skinned people and those with light or red hair. Freckles pose no health risk. But some cancers in the earliest stages resemble a freckle. See a doctor if the size, shape, or color of a spot changes or becomes painful.
Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)
Melasma (or chloasma) is characterized by tan or brown patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Although usually called the "pregnancy mask," men can also develop it. Melasma may go away after pregnancy. If it persists, melasma can be treated with prescription creams and over-the-counter products. Use a sunscreen at all times if you have melasma, as sunlight worsens the condition.
Age Spots (Solar Lentigines)
These pesky brown or gray spots are not really caused by aging, though they do multiply as you get older. Age spots are the result of sun exposure, which is why they tend to appear on areas that get a lot of sun, such as the face, hands, and chest. Bleaching creams, acid peels, and light-based treatments may lessen their appearance. Solar lentigines are harmless, but to rule out serious skin conditions such as melanoma, see a dermatologist for proper identification.
Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis)
The small, scaly red, brown, or skin-colored patches caused by too much sun exposure commonly occur on the head, neck or hands, but can be found elsewhere on the body. They’re the early beginnings of skin cancer. Actinic keratosis usually appears on people after age 40, but they can show up in much younger people. People with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue or green eyes are most at risk. Early treatment is advised to stop the possible progression to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
Actinic Cheilitis (Farmer’s Lip)
Related to actinic keratosis, actinic cheilitis is a precancerous condition that usually appears on the lower lips. Scaly patches or persistent dryness and cracking of the lips may be present. Less common symptoms include swelling of the lip, loss of the sharp border between the lip and skin, and prominent lip lines. Actinic cheilitis may eventually evolve into invasive squamous cell carcinoma if not treated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This nonmelanoma skin cancer may appear as a firm red nodule, a scaly growth that bleeds or develops a crust, or a sore that doesn’t heal. It most often occurs on the nose, forehead, ears, lower lip, hands, and other sun-exposed areas of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is curable if caught and treated early. If the skin cancer becomes more advanced, treatment will depend on the stage of cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common form of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma is the most easily treatable and least likely to spread, though it can damage surrounding tissue. Because basal cell carcinoma spreads slowly it occurs mostly in adults. Basal cell tumors can take on many forms, including a pearly white or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels, on the ears, neck, or face. Tumors can also appear as a flat, scaly, flesh-colored or brown patch on the back or chest, or more rarely, a white, waxy scar.
Bowen Disease
Bowen disease is also called squamous cell carcinoma “in situ.” It is a typeof skin cancer that spreads outward on the surface of the skin. By contrast, “invasive” squamous cell carcinomas can grow inward and spread to the interior of the body. Bowen disease looks like scaly, reddish patches that may be crusted. It may turn into squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma
Melanoma is not as common as other types of skin cancer, but it’s the most serious and potentially deadly. Possible signs of melanoma include a change in the appearance of a mole or pigmented area. Consult a doctor if a mole changes in size, shape, or color, has irregular edges, is more than one color, is asymmetrical, or itches, oozes, or bleeds. Melanoma can affect the skin only, or it may spread to organs and bones. It can be cured if it’s found and treated early.
Shun the Sun
The best way to prevent sunburn, premature wrinkles, skin cancer, and other damaging effects from the sun is to stay out of it, especially between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. If you can’t, apply sunscreen liberally (don’t forget the lips and ears!), wear a hat and sunglasses, and cover up with clothing when outdoors. If you notice changes to your skin such as a mole changing appearance, a new growth, or a sore that wont heal, see a doctor right way.
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