by Melanin is a natural substance produced by cells in the melanocytes of the skin and is responsible for giving color to hair and skin. It also provides protection to this organ of the human body from the sun’s rays.
According to experts from Mayo Clinic, non-profit entity dedicated to clinical practice, education and research, a lack of melanin in the skin can cause conditions like vitiligo.
“Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop working. Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it can be more noticeable in people with brown or black skin. This condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful and make you feel insecure about yourself.”
This is a disease that causes loss of skin color through spots, which can appear anywhere on the body. With the passage of time the spots get bigger. Experts do not yet know the exact causes of vitiligo.
Although anyone can get this condition, There are some diseases considered as risk factors:
- Addison’s disease
- thyroid disease
- Pernicious anemia
- Diabetes type 1
It is important that in case of symptoms you consult a doctor to Receive a professional diagnosis and timely treatment.
“Flat areas of skin that feel normal and lack any pigment appear suddenly or gradually. These have a darker edge. The borders are well defined, but are irregular. Vitiligo most often affects the face, elbows and knees, the backs of the hands and feet, as well as the genitals. It also affects both sides of the body equally,” he says. Medline Plus, website of the United States National Library of Medicine, about some of the symptoms of this condition.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the skin tissue. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. The third is melanoma; and although it is the least common, it is the most dangerous.
As explained Medline Plus, According to the US National Library of Medicine, cancer cells can form on the head, neck, face, hands, and arms. Although everyone can get skin cancer, it is more common in people who:
- They are exposed to the sun for a long time or have suffered sunburns.
- They have light hair, skin, and eyes.
- You have a relative who has had skin cancer.
- They are over 50 years old.
To prevent and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, experts recommend protecting yourself from ultraviolet rays. This must be done in the daily routine and not only when doing outdoor activities. To do this, you can resort to different alternatives such as caps, hats and sunscreen, also known as sunscreen. These rays not only affect when there is sun, but also on cloudy and cool days, so protection must be permanent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some advice:
- Stay in shady places.
- Dress in clothing that covers arms and legs.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats that cover the face, head, ears, and neck.
- Wear sunglasses that cover the sides of the face.
- Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or more.
