In addition, the photolyase it contains helps prevent damage to cellular DNA that the skin is not capable of repairing completely and efficiently thanks to photolyase and UV filters. In AK lesion, there are many lesions underneath the visible lesions that can’t be seen. The ISDIN Eryfotona AK-NMSC works on the area underneath the lesion, repairing the broken DNA surrounding the lesion.
This product is often used as a maintenance for patients who have had AK treatment, and the skin is now broken, bruised and sensitive.
The product was launched ahead of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s annual meeting, which was held on 16 May. As stated by Dr Willie Visser, head of Dermatology at the University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, unprotected exposure to the sun’s dangerous rays is the most preventable risk factor for skin ageing and skin cancer. This includes melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Sunscreens are a vital tool in the fight against skin cancer. It is recommended to generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher to all exposed skin. Sunscreens with added antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes have the ability to repair already damaged DNA.
According to Prof Anisa Mosam, Associate Professor and principal specialist of the Department of Dermatology at the University of KZN, skin colour usually has unique differences. Products developed for the market need to be tailored to address these issues, especially products addressing pigmentation.
“The practice of skin bleaching is still rife in many communities, and as healthcare professionals dealing with patients, we all need to do our bit to stem this practice,” she said. Dr Marc Roscher, Dermatologist from Durban, emphasised that all skin health professionals play an important role in the prevention of skin cancer.
Sun damage is the central pathway to photodamage to any skin, and this manifests in different ways for different skin types. Combination products (such as the combination of sunblocks and moisturisers or topical antioxidant therapies) are a form of integrated skincare and seem to be a global trend at the moment.
A prevalent theme at this year’s Skin Cancer Foundation meeting was expanded therapies or multimodal therapies. “Skin cancer therapy should be definitive from early on, as it is with other types of cancers such as breast cancer,” he said. Another prevalent topic at the meeting was the use of biologic therapies, which are life-saving, highly focused interventions on a molecular level, that physicians now have access to.
