Aug. 2, 2006
Some Skin Products Up Cancer Risk
Find Out Which Drugs Increase Skin's Sensitivity To Sun
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(AP / CBS)
Sunburn is a serious matter. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is a known risk factor in skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 62,000 new cases of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, in 2006. The death rate has increased 50 percent since 1973. WebMD talked with two experts about medications that heighten your risk for sunburn and how to stay safe in the sun.
Leading Culprits
Shedding Light On The Subject
Heightened sensitivity to sun, or a phototoxic reaction, occurs when ultraviolet rays interact with certain chemicals in medications. Even after you have stopped taking a drug, its effects may linger.
"Depending on the type of drug and how long you've been taking it, it can remain in your system from one to five days," says Bill Bailey, RPh, director of specialized care centers for Medicine Shoppe in St. Louis. "To be on the safe side, always ask the pharmacist about the effects of your medications on sun exposure. They'll go online and get current, accurate information," he says.
By Leanna Skarnulis
Reviewed by Louise Chang, M.D
© 2006, WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.




