Saturday, June 25, 2011

Health Tips for June 25

Health Tip: Sunburn Usually Damages Skin

While there's no such thing as a safe sunburn or tan, some cases can damage the skin permanently.

Sunburn occurs when sunlight or another ultraviolet-light source exceeds the ability of the pigment melanin to protect the skin.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine mentions these warning signs of a serious sunburn:

  • Feeling dizzy or faint.
  • Rapid breathing or pulse.
  • Extreme thirst, a sunken look to the eyes or not producing urine.
  • Skin that feels cool or clammy, or appears pale.
  • Rash, fever, chills or nausea.
  • Pain in the eyes or sensitivity to light.
  • Painful blisters.

Health Tip: Factors That Contribute to Skin Cancer

People who have had severe blistering sunburns or frequent exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays are at greater risk of developing skin cancer, the U.S. National Cancer Institute reminds us.

Here the agency's list of additional factors that increase your risk of getting the disease:

  • Using tanning beds on a regular basis.
  • Having had skin cancer before.
  • Having a close family member with a history of skin cancer.
  • Having fair skin that burns easily.
  • Taking medication that increases sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Having a medical condition that compromises the immune system, or taking a medication that suppresses the immune system.

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