Ultraviolet rays in the sun can cause damage to cat skin

Do you know the consequences of common sun damage in cats? Although it is early autumn, the sun is still so intense, even though cats have fur on their skin Cover, but ultraviolet radiation has strong penetrating power. If the cat is exposed to sunlight for a long time, skin damage will occur, especially in some exposed parts with less fur.

The areas where cats have less hair include the muzzle, and the smooth, less pigmented skin of the armpits, folds, auricles, and abdomen. Other risk factors for sun-induced skin damage include residence at higher altitudes or increased exposure to sunlight, living environment, and individual differences and breed predispositions to sunbathing.

1. Photodermatitis

Photodermatitis (sunburn) is caused by direct damage to skin cells by UVL and depends on the time and duration of exposure to the sun. related to light intensity. This is different from thermal burns, which are injuries that occur in areas with darker melanin and/or areas covered by black coat after prolonged exposure to strong light. Photodermatitis in dogs often occurs on the trunk and dorsal muzzle, although any area with little or no melanin deposits will be damaged by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Injuries to the nose initially include erythema and scabs on the dorsum of the nose and the junction between the dorsal and ventral sides, and inflammation further causes hair loss in adjacent areas. Scarring and post-inflammatory depigmentation ensue, with the extent of damage depending on seasonal fluctuations in sunlight. Generally speaking, photodermatitis is much more likely to occur in dogs than in cats.

2. Actinic Keratosis

Ultraviolet irradiation can directly damage keratinocytes and produce genetic mutations, leading to an expansion of the number of mutated cells. Initial lesions resemble photodermatitis, but the skin becomes progressively thicker

Several lesions show parakeratosis and hypogranular layer. Epithelial cell maturation disorders and cellular atypia occur, including nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia, pleomorphism, nucleolar protrusion, mitotic figures, dyskeratosis, and hypochromasia.

It has been proposed to classify it as keratinocyte intraepidermal neoplasia in a grading manner similar to that used for the cervix; however, invasive squamous cell carcinoma often arises from KINI or II. Lesions with impaired maturation and atypia involving all thickness of the epidermis have been termed "Bowenian actinic keratosis". Multinucleated epithelial cells and verrucous structures may be seen in immunosuppressed actinic keratoses. Abnormal keratosis often involves the epidermis between normal pores and sweat openings. Some lesions spread to the infundibulum and isthmus of hair follicles, and a few spread along the exocrine ducts. Dermal changes include solar elastosis, lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration, and increased vascularity. Inflammation is most common in head and neck lesions.

3. Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma often occurs due to long-term inflammation, trauma and viral infection. Non-UVL-induced tumors can occur in any species and anywhere in the body. UVL-induced tumors rarely metastasize. SCC is the second most common malignant tumor of the skin. In humans, 80% of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas are associated with actinic keratosis.

Accounting for about 15% of cat skin tumors. It is rare in white cats, but it is prone to occur in white cats who often bask in the sun. It is usually malignant. After white cats are exposed to sunlight, they can easily cause SCC and lead to the formation of a large number of tumors. . These tumors often occur in the nose, auricles, eyelids, or lips and appear as ulcers or erosions.

Surgery or cryosurgery is often used to remove large areas of tumor tissue, supplemented by cryotherapy and radiation therapy to control the growth of tumor cells. If treated early, Tis or TI has better results. Surgery and radiation therapy are promising. Chemotherapy is unstable. Injuries to the pinna are easier to heal than injuries to the tip of the nose. Small physical damage is the bottom line for treatment.

4. Hemangiomas

There are many types of hemangiomas that have been reported. Here we talk about hemangiomas related to UVL induction. Long-term exposure to light is a key factor in the development of skin hemangiomas. Hemangioma caused by sun exposure is more common than hemangioendothelioma caused by ultraviolet exposure.

Early-stage lesions are punctate, small, flat, and purple in color. Over time, the lesion area increases, forming locally fixed or free, red to purple plaques or nodules, ranging in size from 0.5 to 4 cm. Larger lesions may ulcerate or bleed. This type of tumor rarely metastasizes, and its onset is related to excessive bleeding or secondary infection.