Global warming is a gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s near-surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation. It is the most current and widely discussed topics that might lead to ultimate end of existence of earth and and human being.
Global warming is directly or indirectly impacting on our lifes, including rise in sea levels, melting of ice, and is responsible for significant changes in worldwide climate. Expert have agreed that melting of ice glaciers could release fungi, bacteria and virus incorporated during the freezing process that have been lying dormant for several thousands years that people might have thought have been eradicated already. Heat could make common virus develop strains to which people have no resistance and increase in the ranges of disease vector. This article will discuss the degree of impact and risk factors caused by global warming to our skin.
Ultraviolet Radiation:
Although Sun is the main factor for the existence of life on earth, but scientist believe that continue depletion of ozone layer has significient negative inpact on our skin too. Ultra violet rays are subdivided into three categories depending on their wave lengths, UVA-400-320 nm; UVB-320-290 nm; UVC-290-200 nm. Among all UVB radiation is by far the most harmful radiation that directly affect the skin causing different pigmentation disorder and increase risk of skin cancer. As ozone layer control the radiation, but recent depletion of ozone layer has increased the chances of many skin disease. Scientists believe that increase of temperature by 2% for a long-term due to changes of climate, might increase the carcinogenic effect of ultraviolet radiation by 10%.
Effects of Solar UVR on the Normal Skin The effects of UVR on skin can be classified into 2 caterogies depending on the duration of exposure .
Acute exposure:
Acute over exposure to Solar UVR might cause sunburn also called erythema. The redness of skin in sunburn is due to increase blood content of the skin due to the dilation of the superficial blood vessels in the skin. Excessive exposure might also results in blistering, swelling and peeling. It is estimated that UVA radiation contributes about 15-20% of sunburn reactions though it is less harmful than UVB. Another effects of exposure to UVR is tanning which is darkening of exposed skin due to UVA and invisible radiation. Immediate tanning can be noticed within 5-10 minutes and normally fades within 1-2 hours. Delayed tanning can be noticed after 1-2 days of sun exposure and persist for weeks to months.
Chronic Exposure
Chronic exposure to UVR might result in aging of skin normally called photoaging. Dryness, deep wrinkle, skin furrows, loss of elasticity, sagging, pigmentation and telangiectasia are the most common symptoms observed. Another common risk factors of Chronic exposure to UVR is Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer ( NMSC) . Most common form of NMSC are Squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC) and basal cell carcinoma ( BCC). BCC accounts for about 80% of all NMSC. Its is estimated that each 1% loss of total ozone layer have 3%-5% increase risk of skin cancer. It is believed that the increase in incidence of Melanoma is due to the changing pattern of sun exposure.
Impact of global warming in Sebaceous Glands and Acne:
The ideal temperature of a human body is around 98.2°F. Sweat glands and Sebaceous glands are heat sensitive and rapidly produce their secretions. As the temperature rises the activity of sebaseous glands increases resulting is over production of sebum, as a result sebum with dead cells together clogs the hair follicles and finally acne breakouts occur. Other oraganism like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus can colonize human in warmer climate resulting in many skin diseases which they cause.
Finally, We all should understand that global warming is a real serious issue which is affectiving us and our life directly on indirectly whether its environmental or medical. The solution is within us to stop this devastation by educating ourself and others with self awareness and health education.