It's almost May and here within the Northeast, the pharmacy aisles are full of countless brands and forms of sunscreen. While sunscreen is crucial to reducing your risk of skin cancer, there are other easy, over-the-counter options you may add to your summer skincare routine.
Nicotinamide may help prevent certain skin cancers.
Nicotinamide is a type of vitamin B.3 which has been shown to scale back the variety of skin cancers. In a ___ A randomized controlled trial Performed in Australia (published in New England Journal of Medicine), the risks of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were significantly reduced – as much as 23%. Nicotinamide has protective effects against ultraviolet damage from sunlight. The vitamin is secure and will be purchased over-the-counter. We recommend starting vitamins (500 mg twice day by day) in all our patients with a history of basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, or with extensive skin damage on account of sun exposure. One caveat is that the vitamin should be taken repeatedly, as the advantages are lost once stopped.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs, corresponding to ibuprofen and aspirin, could have a modest effect on skin cancer prevention. A scientific review showed that the danger of squamous cell carcinoma was reduced by 15% with non-aspirin NSAIDs and by 18% with any NSAID. Some melanoma studies have also shown positive results. One found a 43 percent reduction in melanoma with five years of continuous aspirin use, while other studies failed to point out a discount in risk. NSAIDs are known to inhibit an enzyme accountable for inflammation and pain, called COX-2, which is overexpressed in squamous cell carcinomas. A limitation of many studies on NSAIDs in skin cancer is that the dose of NSAID varies. Especially in high doses, NSAIDs are related to other negative effects, corresponding to ulcers, and so I don't routinely recommend that my patients take these drugs to scale back their risk of skin cancer.
Polypodium leucotomos
Polypodium leucotomos is a tropical fern present in Central and South America that has antioxidative, immunomodulatory, and anti inflammatory effects, and is being marketed as an oral “sunscreen.” Oh A recent small study Fern extract reversed the consequences of UVB light (a more carcinogenic type of ultraviolet light) to various degrees in 17 of twenty-two patients. However, it will be important to acknowledge that this study has limitations. First, it was unable to evaluate UVA light, which also causes skin cancer. Second, it's difficult to find out essentially the most appropriate dose from studies. Participants received two doses of 240 mg. Polypodium leucotomos two hours and one hour before exposure to ultraviolet, but it surely will not be clear tips on how to advise patients to make use of it. So, you might be wondering, do I like to recommend this to my patients? The answer is, not yet. But I plan to try the extract on myself and my husband (who has a history of skin cancer) this summer. Just have in mind, it won't replace sunscreen and sun protective clothing.
Watch your alcohol intake
Although alcohol will not be a classic “over the counter” product, it has been within the highlight over the past 12 months, because it is estimated that alcohol is accountable for 3.5 percent of all cancer deaths. Two meta-analyses suggested an association between skin cancer and alcohol intake. A study found that the danger of basal cell carcinoma increased by 7% and the danger of squamous cell carcinoma by 11% for every standard beer or small glass of wine per day. Another study found a 20 percent increase in melanoma amongst heavy drinkers, and the danger increased with the variety of drinks. However, these studies didn't consider other aspects that might affect the outcomes, a few of which couldn't be measured. An example is that ultraviolet light is the first factor that increases basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and alcohol consumption is related to behaviors that increase the danger of sunburn. So what's the advice? The American Cancer Society recommends limiting alcohol consumption to at least one drink per day for ladies and two drinks per day for men.
And you continue to need sunscreen!
Since we still haven't found a magic bullet that completely prevents sunburn and eliminates the danger of skin cancer, that is my plug for old school sunscreen. Sunscreen has been shown to scale back each melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Randomized prospective studies in Australia showed that individuals who used sunscreen day by day had a 50% reduction in melanoma and a 40% reduction in squamous cell carcinoma, compared with individuals who used sunscreen intermittently. do So when sunny and warm weather beckons, remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at the least SPF 30 before going out within the sun, reapply every two hours, and apply liberally: 1 teaspoon per arm , head and neck, front torso, and back; And 2 teaspoons in each leg.