NEPA Vital Signs - Summer Fall 2018 - 14

L ACKMEDSOC.ORG

LUZERNEMEDSOC.ORG

Millions of
dollars each
year are spent
on topical
formulations
and procedures to prevent
or reverse the ravages of
aging. Yet a major factor that
contributes to the aging process
is ultraviolet light exposure.
produced depends on a number of factors including exposure
time, altitude, latitude, extent of skin surface exposed, time of
year, and skin pigmentation (the darker or more tanned the skin,
the less produced). Use of a high-SPF sunscreen limits or even
prevents the skin from forming vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone diseases, including osteoporosis. Some research suggests that higher levels of vitamin
D may protect against prostate, colorectal, and breast cancers
although methodology is suspect. Well established is that many
persons do not obtain minimal amounts of this vitamin. By
advocating strict sun protection or high SPF sunscreens to avoid
skin cancer, are doctors doing more harm than good?
Vitamin D levels can be measured, and medically supervised
oral supplementation will prevent deficiency. Studies suggest
that relatively small amounts of sun exposure, ten to fifteen
minutes on sunscreen-free hands, face, and arms two to three
times a week, are sufficient to maintain adequate levels. So, a
little sun should go a long way.
Yes, a little sun. Millions of dollars each year are spent on
topical formulations and procedures to prevent or reverse the
ravages of aging. Yet a major factor that contributes to the aging
process is ultraviolet light exposure. Many individuals can tolerate
varying degrees of sun exposure, especially those with darker skin.
Others cannot. Individuals of skin type I (persons with very pale
skin, blue eyes, blond or red hair) and skin type II (persons with
fair skin) experience skin damage with each and every exposure.
Keep smoking cigarettes, and chances are pretty good that you
will develop lung cancer or emphysema. Keep chasing that golden
tan and, dependent on your skin type and family history, the day
may soon arrive when that taut, bronzed, "healthy" covering
gives rise to a shriveled, discolored, cancer-infested prune.
STEPHEN SCHLEICHER, M.D., is founder and director of
the DermDox Center for Dermatology in Hazleton, PA

WRIGHT CENTER

ISSUE: 1805
ORG/PUB: NEPA Vital Signs

N E PA

VITAL SIGNS

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