1.IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPRESSION

Excessive sun exposure can alter the distribution and function of the white blood cells (the predominantly responsible cells for the defence of the body), resulting in decrease of the body's defensive ability.

2.HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION (UV) ON THE SKIN-EXACERBATION OF SYMPTOMS

Rosacea, Herpes Simplex, Varicella, Psoriasis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and other congenital and non- congenital dermatoses.

3.ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Solar Urticaria, which is due to allergy from sunlight.Interaction of solar radiation with cosmetics, perfumes, topical creams, and sunscreens. Certain medicines such as contraceptives, antihypertensives, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, etc. may cause a photoallergic rash.

4.DELAYED OUTCOMES

Solar Erythema, the classic sunburn. It varies from mild redness to blistering. Its gravity depends on the intensity and time of exposure to the sun, as well as on the skin's phototype. Many think they are safe into the water because they feel cool and do not perceive the effects of UV on their skin. However, they will notice the burn 2-6 hours later (usually in the evening), when they will see their skin red and feel it warm. This is because it takes time until the sensory mechanisms of the skin that «inform» us about the skin lesion of the burn are activated.

Delayed Pigmentation or «tanning». It appears 2 days after exposure to the sun, it has a maximum intensity on about the 20th day, and then gradually decreases. Tanning is a sign of skin damage from the sun. The general rule is that anyone who is tan from the sun has suffered skin damage, so tanning should cease to be a goal of summer holidays.

5.CHRONIC OUTCOMES

Skin Aging (Photoaging), Skin Moles, Skin Cancers, Malignant Melanoma (the most aggressive form of skin cancer), etc. Various other skin lesions: Diffuse Redness, Spider Veins, Venous lakes, Guttate Hypomelanosis, etc.

Photoaging: Sunlight suppresses collagen production by inactivating the genes that produce collagen. At the same time, sunlight activates destructive collagen enzymes. As we grow, as a consequence of solar radiation, the collagen and elastin fibres that retain the skin elastic are weakened or destroyed. The skin begins to appear dull, it becomes thinner, loose and soft, and loses its fat. At the same time gravity plays its own role, pulling the skin down, making it also loose and «hanging». Consequence: Destruction of the skin. Solar radiation also causes on the skin: Freckles, Dyschromias, Senile Lentigines, Deep Wrinkles, Comedones, etc.

The accumulation of solar radiation activity on the skin continues from infancy to death. 60-80% of the total amount of solar radiation has been acquired up to 18 years of our life.

NATURAL PROTECTION MEASURES

Clouds: In a patchy cloudiness, the dose of ultraviolet radiation is 50-70% of the dose of a sunny day. Even on a rainy day, the dose of UV is 10-20% of the dose of a sunny day.

Hours and seasons: The total absorbed dose of UV during the whole of December - January is as high as that of a sunny summer day. 50% of the total daily dose is taken from 10:00 to 16:00. So limit exposure to the sun at the times which its radiation is stronger, i.e. 10: 00-16: 00.

Wear hats and t-shirts with a long sleeve when you're out in the sun. Use sunscreen when you are at high altitude and engage in activities such as skiing, mountaineering or hiking. Do not be fooled by a cloudy or rainy day, the sun rays are even then harmful. Particularly people who are at greatest risk for future skin cancer should put sunscreen daily. High-risk groups are outdoor workers, farmers, light-coloured, etc. Beware of reflecting surfaces! Sand, sea water, glass and all smooth surfaces reflect the sun's radiation, while trees and umbrellas do not completely absorb sun's rays. Thus, sitting in the shade of an umbrella or tree is not adequate protection. So whoever is outdoors in the summer must put sunscreen. Great care for children: Use sunscreen for children from the age of 6 months or more. Differences in sunscreen protection are not as big as we think. A good sunscreen with protection mark (SPF) 15 binds 93% of the sun's ultraviolet radiation, one with SPF 30 97%, and one with SPF 50 98%. This holds true, provided that a sufficient amount of it is used.