How to Tell the Good and Bad Effects of the Sun on the Body

A lot of ailments people suffer from are usually a side effect of too much exposure to the sun.  Although, it is a stereotype to blame every problem on the sun. There are some health benefits also. It is advisable to take short periods of sun exposure to avoid severe sunburns, rash due to heat, skin wrinkles, and skin cancer. Bulk Bill skin check in Gold Coast is available for people with skin disease.

The Advantages of Sun to the Body:

It Improves the Mood

A lesson learned by most after attending a Bulk Bill skin check in Gold Coast is that sunlight is not all bad when exposed to it in moderation. In fact, the right exposure to sunlight enhances the mood. Sunshine can make people who are dull feel happy and energetic. It is the result of an increase in the serotonin levels inside the brain, which is known for improving the mood of an individual. No wonder, during the summer season the serotonin levels are at their highest.

Sunlight Cures Seasonal Depression or Affective Disorder

Some people get depressed when they lack sunlight during the winter break. The signs include:

  • Bad mood swings
  • A person experiences a challenge in making new friends and keeping old friends
  • A person overeats
  • Fatigue and oversleeping

Stress Reliever

Stress occurs as a result of family issues, work-related problems, or health issues. Activities such as running, relaxing hobbies, dog walking, and taking a walk are ways of getting some moderate early morning sunlight on your body.

Sleep Becomes Better

Sunlight triggers the emission of a substance called melatonin inside the brain. Its function is to inform the brain when it is already time to take a nap. When night falls and it becomes dark, the brain begins melatonin production, which prepares the body for sleep after the passing of two hours.

Vitamin D

It is essential for the health and development of strong bones in the body. A period of 15 minutes of morning sunlight is enough to absorb enough vitamin D for the entire body.

The Disadvantages of Sun to the Body

Sunrays Destroy the Eyes

The ultraviolet rays are harmful. The exposure of the body under the hot sun without any protective gear can lead to permanent damage to the eyes’ retina. It is the black section inside the eye, where visual images get created through rods and the cones. The sun can also cause the formation of cloud-like bumps along the cornea’s edge, which can later grow and cover the cornea causing loss of vision. UV lights are known to increase the chances of suffering from cataracts.

Exhaustion Caused by Heat

The body will respond to a high temperature by losing salt and body fluids through sweating. It may result in fatigue. The signs include:

  • Migraines
  • Lightheadedness
  • High response to irritation

Heat Stroke

It is a result of severe heat exhaustion. Lack of treatment may lead to death or disability. The signs are:

  • Drying of the skin
  • An individual sweats profusely
  • Mental illness
  • Difficulty in speaking
  • Seizures and confusion

Sunburns

The damage of sunburn occurs after 4-5 hours after sitting under the sun for too long. The cause is ultraviolet rays that come when the sun is scorching. The signs are:

  • The skin turns red
  • Painful and tender skin
  • Swellings and blisters
  • A person experiences symptoms of flu such as vomiting, migraines, and fever

Heat Rash

It occurs when perspiration gets trapped inside sweat ducts below the skin’s surface. It is treatable by relaxing in an environment that is cool to avoid sweating and applying powder on the affected part of the body.

Skin Cancer

It affects older people who have had their skin damaged by the sun at an early age in their lives.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

It makes the skin appear pink, shiny, and swollen.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It occurs due to sun exposure, burns scars, and skin chronic ulcers.

Malignant Melanoma

It is rare cancer that is on the rise due to the usage of tanning beds. Women between 18-29 years are at high risk of infection. It grows where pigment cells are present, birthmarks, and moles. It can even spread to body organs like the brain, liver, or lungs.

Tanning beds pose a higher risk of cancer than the sun since they emit UVA light that is more intense compared to UVB light. It penetrates the skin deeper. It also causes wrinkles.

Wrinkles or Aging

It is a result of exposure to direct sunlight, UV lights, and cigarette smoking. UV lights destroy the tissue of the skin called collagen. Tobacco smoke makes the skin turn yellow with thick, deep wrinkles.

Sun Protection

  • Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before stepping out of the house. Reapply after 2 hours after sweating or swimming
  • Wear UV rays filtering glasses or a tall hat