UV radiation alters the genetic material of skin cells and can lead to permanent cell damage. The higher the index value rises, the greater the risk of sunburn when staying unprotected in the sun. The UV index values are assigned internationally coordinated recommendations for sun protection.
“With the changes caused by climate change, exposure to UV radiation is particularly important from a dermatological perspective, because the associated risks for skin cancer are still underestimated by the population,” said Prof. Mark Berneburg, MD, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic for Dermatology at the University Hospital Regensburg (D). Skin cancers have been on the rise for decades, making sun protection awareness all the more important as a key prevention measure. In this context, it is also important to know which loads are to be expected on the respective day. Prof. Berneburg refers to the following rule of thumb: “The higher the UV index, the faster sunburn develops on unprotected skin and the more you have to protect yourself”.
| UV Index Service from MeteoSwiss UVA rays (315–400 nm) accelerate skin aging. However, they can also trigger sun allergies or skin tumors. The UVB rays (280-315 nm) are responsible for tanning the skin, but at the same time for sunburn. They promote the risk of developing skin cancer. UV rays are more intense in the mountains than in the plains, because the higher you climb, the stronger their effect. Protective measures should therefore be a matter of course. The UV index service of MeteoSwiss for mountain regions shows what radiation can be expected when touring in the mountains. www.sac-cas.ch/de/die-alpen/uv-strahlung-im-gebirge-je-hoeher-desto-intensiver-16713 (last accessed 05/31/2013) |
Quelle: «Vermehrte Sonnenbelastung durch Klimawandel, Planetary Health und Nachhaltigkeit in der Dermatologie», Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft, 24.04.2023.
DERMATOLOGIE PRAXIS 2023; 33(3): 23
InFo ONKOLOGIE & HÄMATOLOGIE 2023; 11(4): 39
