Topical Drug Found to Restore Sun-Damaged Skin
Once daily application of the prescription drug, 5FU, can significantly restore sun-damaged skin, according to researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor.
In their recent study, significant improvement was found in coarse wrinkling on the skin of participants using 5FU cream. Fine wrinkling, tactile roughness, mottled hyperpigmentation was also improved from baseline. Lentigines, or liver spots, were significantly decreased, and sallowness was improved from baseline. As expected, the average number of actinic keratoses fell significantly.
Fluorouracil, or 5FU, is a prescription chemotherapy drug that has long been used to treat the precancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses, regarded as precursors of squamous cell carcinoma. During such treatment, physicians have noticed improvements in wrinkles, texture, and pigmentation but such changes haven’t been systematically studied.
Topical application of 5-FU frequently results in a mild to severe stinging or burning sensation, depending on the sensitivity of the skin, the severity of the sun damage and how long it has been used. After five to ten days of treatment, the sun-damaged parts of treated skin become red and irritated. As treatment is continued, sores and crusts may appear. These raw areas result from the destruction of defective skin cells and can be covered with a dressing. They are only temporary, but a necessary part of 5-FU treatment.
Source: Sachs DL, et al “Topical fluorouracil for actinic keratoses and photoaging: a clinical and molecular analysis” Arch Dermatol 2009; 145(6): 659-666.
Source: MedPage Today, June 15, 2009
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This looks like a great product, I have heard that the creators of Proactiv Solution have also developed a new line of products in this area.
Sun damaged skin is increasingly a problem for everyone young and old. Many people spend too much time in the sun when they are young. This can lead to skin cancer issues much later in life.