Aging and Disease

There are several diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, that are known to accelerate the aging process not just of our bodies, but of our skin as well. However, the aging of our skin is more closely tied to the widespread disease of skin cancer. The occurrence of skin cancer greatly speeds up the aging process in it`s victims and even victims of the precancerous stages of skin cancer experience symptoms of rapid aging such as deep wrinkling, sun spots, and discoloration. An additional factor in the aging process for those who suffer from precancerous skin conditions or diseases of the skin is the fact that the more developed the stages of these conditions becomes, the faster the aging progresses.

Skin cancer is the most commonly linked disease to the process of premature aging. Skin cancer has become a huge epidemic in our country because of the determination of many American`s to ignore the warnings of the scientific and medical community just to achieve a bronzed look. Despite the fact that American`s have been continually educated and informed about the development and progression of skin cancer, many still flock to the tanning beds and lounge-chairs to soak up the harmful ultra-violet rays of the sun that can result in a disease that produces premature aging symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Disease- Are You At Risk?

The first and most obvious fact to consider when assessing symptoms or risk for skin cancer is asking yourself how much time you`ve spent in the sun without adequate protection. Frequent tanners who have endured prolonged sun exposure are the highest individuals at risk for developing skin disease that causes premature aging.

Liver spots are a common appearance on the skin of precancerous or diseased individuals. These spots resemble large freckles, have rounded edges, and are usually light-brown in color. Although these do not indicate skin cancer, they are a symptom of chronic sun exposure and should be a signal that your time in the sun has you well on the way to skin disease and early aging. A look-alike of lesions, referred to as photoaging, however, are more serious and could be an indication that disease has developed. These spots are usually more uneven than liver spots and should be immediately evaluated by a doctor.

The Occurrence of Skin Cancer and Rapid Aging - How Can You Avoid It?

Because of these unheeded warnings, a staggering one in five Americans are expected to develop skin cancer and thus suffer from severe premature aging. Nonmelanoma skin cancer is less deadly than it`s more serious form - Melanoma - and is highly curable if detected early. Melanoma, however, is a skin disease in the most serious form and continues to be on the rise in our country. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer growth and can be described as small bumps or nodules that spread slowly.

The best thing you can do to prevent severe premature aging related to skin disease and skin cancer is to protect yourself from the sun - avoid prolonged sun exposure, always wear sunscreen, and cover yourself with adequate clothing.