Be Sun Smart All Year Round (NAPSA)—Many people think that summeris the only time to take caution with the sun, but sun protection is important year- round. While skiing or visiting warmerclimates in the winter, it is important to rememberto protect yourself. Surprising to many sun-loving Americans is that 40 percent of the more than 250,000 new cases of squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) may be the result of ignoring a condition few people have ever heard of: actinic keratoses, or AKs. These are pre- cancerous skin lesions that have People should not take sunrelated skin problems such as the potential to progress to a more AKslightly. An AK is a small, crusty or scaly bump or horn that arises on mous cell carcinoma. One of the medications doctors use is Carac base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red or a combination of cal cream that is safe and effective in the treatment of AKs. It is sation. multiple actinic or solar keratoses serious condition. What Are AKs? or beneath the skin surface. The these, or the same color as the skin. The crust is horny, dry and rough. Occasionally, it itches or produces a pricking or tender sen- It can also become inflamed and surrounded by redness. In rare instances, actinic keratoses can bleed. WhoIs At Risk? serious condition such as squa- (Fluorouracil Cream 0.5%), a topi- available by prescription and is the only topical with convenient “once daily dosing.” Carac is indicated for the topical treatment of of the face and anteriorscalp. Important Safety Information People 40 and over who have Carac should not be used by women whoare pregnant, considering becoming pregnant, or nurs- rather than tan in the sun; and spend large amounts of time in dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme had chronic sun exposure; burn the sun without sunscreen are at higher risk for AKs. Doctors rec- ing. Carac should not be used by people with dihydropyrimidine deficiency. The most common side effects are skin reactions includ- ommend a regular skin screening ing redness, dryness, burning, is that AKs are treatable when of skin), swelling and eyeirritation. For more information, visit by a dermatologist. The good news identified—before they have the potential to progress to a more pain, erosion (loss of upper layer www.carac.info.
