Here’s news that could make your beach trips less troublesome: The cure for sunburn pain may be on the horizon, suggests a new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
When researchers applied a drug called GSK205 to mice and exposed them to UVB rays—the kind that cause cancer and skin damage—the rodents developed less tissue damage and didn’t experience the painful reaction typically associated with sunburn.
One possible reason: While UVB exposure activates a certain skin cell molecule that produces a cycle of other pain-causing molecules, the new drug appears to block that process, says study coauthor Wolfgang Liedtke, M.D., Ph.D.
There are a few caveats: While the drug works in mice, it could take upwards of 5 years to hit the product-development stage for humans. Plus, GSK205—let’s hope they come up with an easier name—wouldn’t replace your sunblock, but rather, serve as a supplement to lotions to ease pain and possibly reduce cellular damage, the researchers say.
For now, remember the dangers of skin cancer are very real. Men under the age of 40 are 55 percent more likely to die of melanoma than women of the same age, and some studies suggest that just one bad sunburn can skyrocket your skin-cancer risk.
But fortunately, skin cancer—like sunburn—is preventable. Besides using SPF 30 and penciling in regular visits to the dermatologist (melanoma is easiest to treat when it’s found early), eat more carrots, which are rich in free-radical-fighting carotenoids. Snacking on a handful a day over 10 weeks can add up to SPF 4. While that number sounds low, researchers report that when combined with sunblock, carotenoids help protect your entire body throughout the day, since sunscreen can wear off (and you can miss spots). For more ways to protect yourself, check out the Men’s Health Skin Cancer Center.
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