This is the definitive end of the holidays. In a moment, memories of trips will fade like a tan after long hours of sunbathing by the sea, lakes or in the mountains. This year's season was exceptional. After a spring spent in forced quarantine, everyone, more than usual, longing for a vacation, set off on vacation.

We sunbathed like crazy, often forgetting that it is best to enjoy the sun in moderation and use cosmetics with appropriate filters to protect the skin.

Part of the sunlight that reaches us is ultraviolet radiation, which, depending on its wavelength and effect on living organisms, is divided into three ranges: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.

UV-A rays are relatively less harmful than other ranges, but they damage collagen fibers, which accelerates the aging process.

Thanks to UV-B rays, vitamin D3 is produced in the skin, which counteracts rickets. However, UV-B radiation in too high a dose can cause skin redness, allergic symptoms, and also malignant skin tumors.

UV-C rays, like UV-B, can cause damage to DNA chains, resulting in mutations.

Fortunately, the Earth's atmosphere protects us from the most dangerous effects of solar radiation. It absorbs all UV-C rays and some UV-B in the ozone layer. As a result, about 97% of the ultraviolet that reaches the Earth's surface is UV-A.

A small percentage of radiation in other ranges does not remain without an impact on our health, which is why it is always worth examining the skin after a holiday, emphasize specialists. Examination of changes should be performed no earlier than a month after the last intensive sunbathing. This gives us some time to set a convenient date for an appointment at the Dermatology Clinic NZOZ Twój Lekarz.

WATCH OUT FOR TICKS DURING VACATION

Are you in a risk group? Have you been bitten by a tick? Check if you're at risk for Lyme disease! NZOZ Your Doctor is running the third edition of the Tick-Borne Disease Prevention Program for residents of the Wrocław County.