Sunscreens Health Dictionary

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Sunscreens: From 1 Different Sources

Preparations that help to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Barrier Cream

A cream used to protect the skin against the effects of irritant substances and of excessive exposure to water. (See also sunscreens.)... barrier cream

Raised Edge

Shallow of carcinoma ulcer the skin pigment melanin. The risk is reduced by avoiding overexposure to strong sunlight, using sunscreens, and wearing protective clothing and sun hats. Without treatment, the carcinoma gradually invades and destroys surrounding tissues but virtually never spreads to other parts of the body. Treatment is usually with surgery (or in some cases radiotherapy) and is often completely successful. Plastic surgery may also be needed, however, depending on the size and site of the tumour. People who have had a basal cell carcinoma may develop new tumours and should be alert to any changes in their skin. (See also melanoma, malignant; squamous cell carcinoma; sunlight, adverse effects of.)... raised edge

Photosensitivity

Abnormal reaction to sunlight.

Photosensitivity usually causes a rash on skin exposed to sunlight.

This often occurs because a photosensitizer (such as some drugs, dyes, chemicals in perfumes and soaps, and plants such as mustard) has been ingested or applied to the skin.

Photosensitivity is also a feature of disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

People who are susceptible to photosensitivity reactions should avoid exposure to sunlight and photosensitizers, and use sunscreens.... photosensitivity

Sunlight, Adverse Effects Of

Problems resulting from overexposure to sunlight. Fair-skinned people are more susceptible. Short-term overexposure causes sunburn and, in intense heat, can result in heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Repeated overexposure over a long period can cause premature aging of the skin and solar keratoses. It increases the risk of skin cancer. Protection of the skin with sunscreens helps to prevent sun damage. Photosensitivity is an abnormal sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in a rash.

Exposure to sunlight can affect the eyes, causing irritation of the conjunctiva, actinic keratopathy, or pterygium.

Good sunglasses help to prevent eye problems.... sunlight, adverse effects of

Zinc Oxide

An ingredient of many skin preparations that has a mild astringent action and a soothing effect. Zinc oxide is used to treat painful, itchy, or moist skin conditions and to ease the pain caused by haemorrhoids and insect bites or stings. It also blocks the ultraviolet rays of the sun (see sunscreens).... zinc oxide

Chloasma

(melasma) n. ill-defined symmetrical brown patches on the cheeks or elsewhere on the face. Chloasma is a *photosensitivity reaction in women on combined oral contraceptive pills or who are pregnant; very rarely it occurs in men. It can usually be prevented by the use of sunscreens and may be treated with bleaching creams.... chloasma

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