As ultra-violet rays account for a majority number of cases of skin cancers, protection against these rays is not only important but worthwhile in maintaining the beauty and well being of your skin.
Sunblock or sunscreen has proved to be effective and is a convenient choice to use. However, there are some information that people should bear in mind in selecting these products and using them.
SPF – SPF stands for sun protection factor. It indicates the number of times your original time (for reddening your skin) can be extended. For instance, an SPF of 15 means that it would take 15 times longer to redden than without the sunscreen. For normal commuting and daily wear, a SPF of at least 15 is recommended.
Broad spectrum protection – preferably look for the ones that offer the broad spectrum protection, that is, with both UVA and UVB protection.
Water-resistant – you will get even more protection from a product that is labeled “water-proof”. The water-resistant products generally afford full protection for forty minutes in water and also provide better protection even if you sweat heavily.
Allergic Reaction – try to stay away from products containing the chemical like PABA as some people could develop an allergic reaction to it.
Useful active ingredients – look for sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide, micronized zinc oxide or avobenzone. Zinc oxide is effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply regularly – depending on the SPF values, sunscreen should be reapplied at appropriate intervals. This should be done even more often if you are sweating or swimming or in an environment that intensifies the reflection of the sun’s rays. A good example o the latter would be winter sports.
Filed under Prevention by on Jan 2nd, 2010. Comment. 
The following is a snapshot of the various methods currently in use in treating the various types of skin cancers.
C&E – this is a two-step procedure in which a curette (sharp-tipped instrument) is used to remove the more friable cancer tissue from normal tissue and bleeding is controlled by an electrical current or by a chemical agent. This cycle is repeated two to four times. Nodular and superficial BCC and non-invasive SCC can usually be treated effectively with C&E. It is a low risk procedure.
Cryosurgery – liquid nitrogen is used at very low temperatures ( below -50°C) to freeze the skin and induce necrosis of the skin in the treated area. This cycle is repeated two or three times. It is a low risk and effective treatment for primary superficial and nodular BCC, or superficial SCC. The treatment will result in an open wound that usually would take a few months to heal.
Radiation – this treatment has a reported cure rate of 89 to 95 percent. It is useful for the older people who cannot tolerate surgery, for medium sized tumors and for lesions that are too inaccessible to be removed surgically. Radiation is particularly useful for lesions on or near the face.
Chemotherapy – involving the use of chemotherapeutic agents like 5-FU or Imiquimod cream. The substance is applied directly to the skin twice a day for four weeks or more. It works by causing an inflammatory reaction. Though it is easy to use, there are concerns on possible skin irritation and pigmentation changes.
Surgery – excision is a surgical procedure that removes the entire lesion with an appropriate margin, usually 3-5mm, of clinically normal tissue. The resulting defect is then repaired with sutures.
Mohs Micrographic surgery – this involves removing successive horizontal layers of the skin cancer with a small margin (1-2mm) of surrounding tissue. Each layer is sent for pathological examination. The result of microscopic examinations would decide if further layer removal is required. Because this method has the highest cure rate of 97-99 percent, it is recommended for all tumors in the high-risk areas of the face.
Laser therapy – this involves the use of carbon dioxide laser as a cutting instrument much like a scalpel.
Filed under skin cancer treatment by on Jan 9th, 2010. Comment.
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Filed under News, melanoma, skin cancer treatment by on Jan 13th, 2010. Comment.
