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Introduction

Looking Back

The Present Situation

How To Minimize Sun Damage

Treating Eye Disorders

Treating Skin Damage

Alternative Treatment Methods

My Personal Experience with Actinic Keratoses

Conclusion

Alternative Treatment Methods

Certain non-prescription natural cosmetic skin products on the market make claims of removing AKs without scarring, burning or other side effects. None contain drug compounds or carriers. None are approved by the F.D.A. for treatment of Actinic Keratosis or skin cancer.

• SkinAnswer Gel (Lane Laboratories). "SkinAnswer", has been tested by several dermatologists who report excellent results on both AKs and skin cancer, but so far none have published their findings. The product is available on the internet for between $35-55/tube. The active ingredient in SkinAnswer is a glycoalkaloid which is produced in many fruits and vegetables as part of their defense against insects and other animals. In Australia, these compounds (found in a rare plant in the Solanum family) were the basis for native folk medicine cancer treatments. Prior local research had shown promising results so Dr. I. William Lane (Ph.D. in Agricultural Biochemistry and Nutrition, Rutgers University) initiated further research that led to the development of this all-natural topical product containing aloe vera and urea (for soothing and moisturizing), oil of melaleuca and methol (to refresh) and extracts of willow bark and sand brier (the natural source of glycoalkaloids). If you are interested in learning more about the product, check out: http://www.lanelabs.com/ or http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/premiums/1_year/answer_skin_cancer.htm

I've personally tried this product on several AKs and found it to be totally non-invasive! The gel applies easily and has a pleasant, cool tingling feeling. The affected area was not uncomfortable in any way and the resulting "scab" disappeared as expected. There were no side effects whatsoever. Moreover, the white, scaly dry spots have thus far not returned after six months.

• Proper Nutrition. Research has shown that Vitamins A, C and E work independently in the prevention and treatment of skin cancers. They also work together to help prevent the formation of new lesions. Vitamin A effectively treats some premalignant and malignant skin conditions but the current consensus is that it probably does not cure skin cancer, rather only helping prevent the formation of new lesions as long as therapy is continued. This was true for a variety of skin cancers ranging from malignant basal cell carcinomas to premalignant actinic keratoses lesions when treated with oral retinoids. (http://www.findarticles.com/m0887/n3_v17/20847594/p1/article.jhtm l) One study found that regular supplementation of both vitamins A and E were associated with a 70% reduced risk for basal cell carcinomas. In addition, an increase in dietary vitamin C has been shown to reduce UV-induced tumors in mice. (http://www.aad.org/PressReleases/vitamins_prevention.html) An October1998 study reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that vitamins A, C and E are increasingly important because of their antioxidant capabilities. Multiple controlled studies showed that retinoids can reduce and prevent wrinkles, brown spots and actinic keratoses. Patients reported improvement in skin texture and tone after starting a retinoic acid treatment program. (http://www.citizens.org/na/nd98/briefs.html, 4Birt DF; Pelling JC; Nair S; Lepley D. Diet intervention for modifying cancer risk. Prog Clin Biol Res 1996;395:223-34) Over 200 different studies showed that, on average, eating 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day cuts cancer risk in half. (http://www.ca5aday.com/prevention/prev_eat.htm) In my opinion, it just makes good sense to eat a proper diet, eliminate or at least minimize empty calories --- the biggest culprit being sucrose or common table sugar --- and supplement with a high quality, natural multi-vitamin/mineral product and when indicated, additional vitamins A (as beta-carotene), C and E (as d-alpha tocopheral succinate).

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