dermatologic disorders
Chronic Effects of Sunlight
Treating Chronic Effects of Sunlight
Minimization of UV light exposure Topical treatments for photoaged skin Treatment begins with Prevention to minimize UV light exposure—avoiding the sun and tanning beds and wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. Various combination therapies, including chemical peels, 5-fluorouracil(5-FU), topical alpha-hydroxy acids,imiquimod, photodynamic therapy, andtretinoin, have been used to reduce precancerous changes and improve the cosmetic appearance of chronically sun-damaged skin. These therapies are often effective in ameliorating superficial skin changes (eg, fine wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, sallowness, roughness, minor laxity) but have a much less pronounced effect on deeper changes (eg, telangiectasias). Many ingredients are used in over-the-counter cosmetic products without significant evidence that they improve chronic changes of the skin caused by sunlight. For treatment of actinic keratoses, see Treatment . For treatment of skin cancers, see Overview of Skin Cancer . 