Well, here’s a disturbing thought: One standard drink increases your risk of developing melanoma by about 20%. So, if you drink five beers, you’ve just increased your risk by 55%. Now, make that drink a margarita and you could really be in trouble; at least when it comes to the sun! Medically speaking, it can cause a severe sunburn, better known as a Margarita Burn, or phytophotodermatitis.
Any form of alcohol and certain foods change your skin on the cellular level, making your skin more photosensitive to UV rays.
Juice from limes and other citrus, plus veggies such as celery, parsley, cilantro, figs, and carrots, enhances your skin’s sensitivity. The best plan is to avoid eating and cooking with these foods on sunny days or to at least wash your hands and arms thoroughly to remove any juices or oils. bit.ly/49cV7NF
Also, a reminder to check your medicine cabinet before you head into the sun for the day! Lotions, perfumes, prescription medications, and some over-the-counter medications can all increase the extent of damage to your skin.
Avoid the following or take extra precautions when using:
- Acne and Skin care medications with alpha-hydroxy acids, accutane or retinol.
- Antibiotics doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin and trimethoprim.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen; found over the counter in medications such as Advil, Aleve and Motrin.
- When it comes to skin care, avoid body scrubs or exfoliants before enjoying the sun. And perfume can be an issue too. Consider skipping your favorite scent for a couple of days. Even natural essential oils, such as sandalwood and lavender, can cause skin sensitivity when exposed to the sun.
Now, before you decide to spend the summer in a cave, understand none of this means you have to miss out on the fun of the season! Just avoid what you can, slather on SPF 30 sunscreen every two hours, and wear UPF 50 clothing! A cautious approach adds up to more days in the sun and a lifetime of healthy skin! Like your mom always says: “Make Good Choices!” You can learn more about the hidden risk of sun damage in our June 2nd episode of An Unexpected Life podcast. We are joined by Dermatologist, Dr. Eva Simmons-O’Brien! You don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to sun safety! You can find it with all your favorites or via this link!
And taking the next step is ExoPatch, currently being tested by researchers at the University of Michigan. This tiny patch has micro needles that capture biomarkers in the top layer of the skin’s epidermis. Researchers say by using this, no biopsy is needed and it can be done at home.
It often starts in the little ones; as early as 5 years of age. They learn to swing a bat, serve in tennis, pass a football, kick a soccer ball or cradle in lacrosse. Over the years, their time on turf, courts, and grass will increase as will their exposure to the damaging rays of the sun. On average, the NCAA outdoor athlete will spend 1,200 hours a year in the sun. But that doesn’t even account for the years before college.
This Melanoma May, we turn the spotlight on the guys! New research is focused on the surge in the number of young men
Here’s some food for thought: Nearly 400,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer globally this year. That means every three minutes, a parent is told their child has cancer. Trust me. No one can imagine nor prepare for the moment. There is simply the before and the after. Life is never the same. Still, there is so much more hope for young patients, since we lost Claire nearly a dozen years ago. That is due in great part to the advocacy and commitment of researchers and to those who scramble to find funding, who make it all happen. But times are hard.
Dr. Robyn Gartrell, M.D., a Pediatric Oncologist and Research Physician with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, finds frustration in the fact that children are often eliminated from drug trials under the assumption that their systems are too sensitive, and the drug therapies could do more harm than good. In fact, Dr. Gartrell has found that the children can actually fare much better. “I’ll say, children have a higher tolerance and often survive what adults can’t. Case in point is CAR T Cells. Adult patients died from the immune response called cytokine release syndrome and while it is scary in children too, they often survive with fantastic supportive care as their bodies can handle things adults can’t.'” When asked why she keeps fighting the good fight, Dr. Gartrell says it is all about hope: ” Providing a drug to a child with a terminal cancer that allows them to not only plan for but go to college is an unreal feeling.”
