Gulls at Sunset – Sally Vennel
Sunburn hurts you in more ways than one. The danger goes far beyond any short-term pain, redness, and discomfort, because after the sunburn fades, lasting damage remains.
Sunburn accelerates skin aging and is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Sunburn is bad news, but the good news is that it’s totally preventable. Even if you take proper precautions in the sun — applying SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and limiting your hours outdoors in peak sunlight — you might still develop a sunburn. Certain
medications, dietary supplements, personal care products and foods may increase your risk of sunburn. “Knowing what substances you put into, or onto, your body may help you avoid future sunburn surprises,” says Joseph Lattanzi, M.D., medical director, Radiation Oncology at Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center.
Be careful about spending time in the sun when you use any of the following items, which can increase your risks of sunburn:
Medications
• Antibiotics, such as
tetracycline antihistamines
• Antifungal medication
• Coal and tar derivatives, such as
medicated shampoo
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Hypertension medication
• Non-steroid anti-inflammatory
drugs (such as ibuprofen)
• Oral contraceptives
• Retinoids
• Tricyclic antidepressants
Personal Care Products
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Certain sunscreens
• Deodorants
• Glycolic acid
• Perfumes and scented soap
• Retinols
• Topical Vitamin C
Dietary Supplements
• Ginkgo biloba
• St. John’s Wort
Foods
• Artificial sweeteners
• Carrots
• Celery
• Coriander
• Cumin
• Dill
• Fennel
Radiation therapy is a scarless, non-surgical radiation treatment for certain skin cancers. Call 609-978-2194 to learn more.
