Symptoms of Sun Damaged Skin

Sun damaged skin can take several forms, but there are distinct symptoms that are unique to it.

Wrinkles:

Wrinkles are one of the most common symptoms of sun damage. Although wrinkles are caused by aging, wrinkles caused by sun damage have a characteristic appearance.

• Coarse wrinkles are common in sun damaged skin
• Roughness of the skin is common in sun damaged skin

Pigmentation:

Pigmentation or color is the body's way of protecting the skin and occur in response to sun exposure.

• Lentigos, more commonly known as sun spots are small brown circles that begin to appear in a person's late twenties or early thirties in response to sun exposure
• Melasma is a common condition among young women, and causes dark symmetrical patches to occur on the face. It is triggered by a combination of estrogen and sun exposure.
• Although temporary and less dangerous, tans and freckles are also triggered by sun exposure, and will fade if the skin is not exposed to the sun for a period of time

Skin Texture:

Skin texture is also affected by long-term sun damage. Sun damage accumulates over time, and thus symptoms of sun damage are often seen on the elderly, particularly on those who work outdoors.

• Solar elastosis is a common feature of chronic sun damage
• Rubbery skin is the main feature of solar elastosis
• The skin becomes rough and thickened

Blood Vessels:

Redness is a common feature in those with sun damage. The blood vessels can widen, causing the skin to become red. In some cases, it can be rosacea.

• Redness is often a result of widening blood vessels close to the surface of the skin
• Chronic sun exposure can widen or sometimes break blood vessels
• Rosacea is a chronic condition that causes redness

Precancerous Tumours:

Actinic keratosis is another common skin condition that is often seen in the elderly who have accumulated sun damage.

• Actinic keratosis is a rough patch on the skin
• It can be felt easier than it is seen in its earlier stage
• A white rough scale can develop as it advances
• As actinic keratosis has a risk of developing into skin cancer they should be removed by a dermatologist

Skin Cancer:

Skin cancers are the most feared consequence of sun damage.

• There are three common types of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma
• They all have distinct appearances, and vary in how dangerous they are
• Look for distinct changes in color from surrounding skin, asymmetry, and size
• Skin cancers will expand in size, and will appear odd-different from typical harmless skin growths like moles
• If you suspect skin cancer, have it checked out by a dermatologist. It's better to be safe than sorry.

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