Truck Driver’s Sun Damage: A Cautionary Tale
A striking photo of a truck driver emphasizes the severe effects of prolonged sun exposure on the left side of his face, serving as a powerful reminder to always apply SPF before heading outdoors.
Noteworthy Portrait
Featured in the New England Journal of Medicine, this 69-year-old man’s image is significant because only one side of his face was subjected to sunlight, revealing how different his appearance might have been had he used sunscreen regularly.
Medical Insights
An examination of the affected side resulted in findings that aligned with Favre-Racouchot syndrome, a form of skin damage caused by sun exposure, known medically as dermatoheliosis.
Effects of UVA Rays
The man’s left side displayed severe wrinkles due to 28 years of consistent exposure to Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays filtering through his truck window, while the right side remained largely spared.
Unilateral Dermatoheliosis
He suffers from unilateral dermatoheliosis, indicating that the skin on the left side of his face has thickened over time because of sun exposure.
UVA Penetration
UVA rays can penetrate glass and clouds, reaching up to 95 percent of the UV radiation that hits the Earth’s surface, making it nearly impossible to avoid them, according to Skincancer.org.
Risk of Skin Cancer
While it was once believed that ultraviolet B (UVB) rays posed a greater risk for skin cancer, recent studies have shown that UVA rays also cause significant DNA mutations that can contribute to cancer development. Although the damage is already done, medical professionals recommended the use of sunscreen and topical retinoids for prevention, along with regular check-ups for skin cancer.
Final Reminder
Take note: using sunscreen is essential, even on cloudy days.
This article was first published in January 2018.
