Skin Care And Sunlight: Why They Don't Go Together

The body boasts an extraordinary organ — the skin. Not only is it the largest organ you possess, but it also stands as your first line of defense against the perils of the environment. External factors such as sun damage, pollution, lifestyle, and genetics can contribute to skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and other conditions. Dermatology, a medical specialty focused on the study of skin and the treatment of its associated conditions, deals with a broad range of diseases and disorders that affect this vital organ. There are various dermatology treatments, including topical treatments, oral medications, light therapies, surgical procedures, and alternative therapies. 

1. Topical Treatments:

Topical treatments are medications that are applied directly to the skin. They are commonly prescribed for acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions. Topical treatments include corticosteroids, retinoids, antibiotics, antifungal and anti-inflammatory creams, gels, ointments, lotions, and solutions. They work by reducing inflammation, killing bacteria or fungus, or controlling cell growth. Topical treatments offer a multitude of advantages over oral medications, including reduced incidence of side effects and long-term applicability. 

2. Oral Medications:

Oral medications are pills, capsules, or liquids that are swallowed and absorbed into the bloodstream. They are prescribed for severe or persistent skin conditions that cannot be treated with topical medications alone. Oral medications include antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, hormonal therapy, immunosuppressants, and biologics. They work by killing bacteria, fungi, or viruses, suppressing the immune system, or modifying the biological pathways that cause skin diseases. The use of oral medications should be closely monitored by a dermatologist.

3. Light Therapies:

Light therapies use different types of light to treat skin conditions. They include phototherapy, laser therapy, intense pulsed light therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Light therapies work by targeting specific cells or structures in the skin, such as bacteria, pigmentation, or blood vessels. They can be used for acne, rosacea, psoriasis, vitiligo, and other conditions. Light therapies are safe and non-invasive but may cause temporary side effects such as redness, itching, or burning. They require several sessions and are often combined with topical or oral medications.

4. Surgical Procedures:

Surgical procedures are invasive treatments that involve cutting, removing, or grafting tissues in the skin. They are prescribed for skin cancer, scars, moles, warts, and other conditions that cannot be treated with less invasive methods. Surgical procedures include excision, cryotherapy, laser surgery, Mohs surgery, and skin grafts. Surgical procedures are effective but may cause scarring, infection, bleeding, or numbness. They require careful planning and preparation and are performed by a dermatologist or a surgeon.

Contact a dermatologist for more information.