In the case of skin cancer,
this could not be more true. In the southern United States, the sun's UV rays are strongest
between 10 a. and 4 p. Basal cell and
squamous cell carcinomas are the most common on areas of the body regularly
exposed to sunlight, such as the face, ears, neck, lips or back of the hands.

Q: If sunscreen is waterproof, how often does it need to be reapplied?
A: It is best to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant so that
sweating or swimming cannot easily remove it. Anderson
researchers. History of exposure to UV
light (whether intermittent or year round, even if the exposure was years ago)
holds the answer to how great the risk factor.
* Punch biopsy: a special instrument called a punch or a trephine is used
to remove a circle of tissue from the abnormal-looking growth.mdanderson.S."
The objective of this multinational study was to evaluate the long-term
safety and effectiveness of Elidel in pediatric and adult patients with eczema
of any severity, who had previously completed a six-month 947-patient core
study.

S. population.

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To increase awareness of skin cancer risks and
prevention strategies, renowned experts on the front lines of skin cancer
research, treatment and patient care at The University of Texas M.
* Their Elevation may become raised or grow in height. For light-skinned individuals, cosmetic
make-up containing SPF is not adequate. The most effective strategy for skin
protection is to apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (as one would a
moisturizer). D. Importantly,
the quantity of Elidel used during the course of the study decreased from
3. 2 for unconcerned; p=0. For further information please
consult http://www.
P: 212-583-2725
P: 973-722-2399

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Anderson
Cancer Center answer important questions about skin cancer risk factors,
sunscreen and skin protection and skin cancer screening and treatment.

Q: Does where I live affect my exposure to UV rays?
A: People who live in areas with higher levels of UV radiation from the
sun, such as regions closer to the Earth's equator, have higher risk of skin
cancer.m. Moisture from humidity or sweat
doesn't allow the sunscreen to adhere to the skin as effectively. Rather , they should be labeled as
"water-resistant" or "very water-resistant.

Q: How can I protect my baby/children from sun exposure?
A: Babies should never be exposed to direct sunlight and sunscreen should
not be applied to infants under six months of age.m. Many cancerous
skin lesions can be removed completely at the time of the biopsy and no
further treatment is necessary. D.
News + World Report's "America's Best Hospitals" survey since its inception
15 years ago.

In 2004, the Group's businesses achieved
sales of USD 28.

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* Their Borders may be ragged or otherwise irregular. Anderson experts recommend
regular self-screenings and taking extra precaution for individuals with:
* Light-colored skin -- the fairer the skin, the higher the risk of skin
cancer.m. Melanoma skin cancers can develop on or around an
existing mole. Vitamin A may also have a direct
anti-cancer effect.
* Radiation therapy: where high level x-rays or other types of radiation
are used to kill cancer cells.aad.org . What this study shows is
that using Elidel to treat a flare-up at the onset of such symptoms as
tingling or itching may enable patients to control flares and better manage
their condition long-term.
There were no unexpected safety findings.1%), respiratory disorders
(16.
In clinical trials with Elidel , the most common side effect on the skin
was a mild to moderate, temporary feeling of warmth or burning (occurring in 8
percent of children aged 2-7 years and in 26 percent of adults). The company's mission is to improve people's
lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions.

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Also find shade wherever possible, or use an umbrella to shield yourself. when UV light is strongest. A biopsy is performed where all or some part of the
abnormal-looking growth is cut from the skin and viewed under a microscope by
a pathologist to see if cancer cells are present. The overall
incidence of viral infections was less than 1%.
A separate study presented at the meeting, involving nearly 1,000
participants , showed that in both adult patients and parents of pediatric
patients (up to age 12 years) with eczema , treatment with Elidel was
associated with a statistically significant improvement in quality of life at
months two and six. The term eczema most often refers to
"atopic dermatitis," which is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin condition
and is related to both allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma. Doctors use
the terms eczema and atopic dermatitis interchangeably to describe the
disease.

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While anyone can develop skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people
with light -colored skin that freckles easily.

Q: Are there areas of my body more susceptible to skin cancer than others?
A: Skin cancers, which develop in the epidermal layer, are classified as
nonmelanoma (cancers occurring in the basal or squamous cells) and melanoma
(cancers occurring in the melanocytes, or pigment cells). Research shows a white cotton T-shirt
only provides the same protection as applying a sunscreen with SPF 5. Patients were enrolled at 61
centers in 10 countries .

Overall Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Patients' Lives
For many patients, the burden of eczema extends beyond the outwardly
visible manifestation of symptoms, even impacting their overall quality of
life. Novartis is
providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not
undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in
this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.2 billion and net income of USD 5 .

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Become familiar with the pattern of your moles,
blemishes and freckles so that changes over time may be identified. M. D.

M.

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise (TM). "This
study provides encouraging news because one of the most unsettling aspects of
eczema is the unpredictability of the condition.
During the extension phase of the study, Elidel was incorporated as needed
into patients' daily treatment routines as follows: Patients applied Elidel
twice daily to affected areas beginning at the earliest signs or symptoms of a
flare (e.5 g/day six months later,
particularly in those patients who had the most severe eczema at the start of
the study.
Results presented yesterday by Seth Orlow, MD, PhD, New York University
School of Medicine , New York, NY, from a multinational survey called the
International Study of Life with Atopic Eczema (ISOLATE), showed that a
majority of eczema sufferers and their caregivers (51% of patients, and 63% of
caregivers) either always or sometimes worry about when they might experience
their next disease flare-up.

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* A family history of skin cancer. UVA
rays (which pass through window glass) penetrate deeper into the dermis, or
base layer of the skin.

Q: Are there any trends in changing attitudes among teens and young adults
about suntans?
A: Despite recent efforts to reach teens with skin cancer prevention
information, their perception of tanning has not changed .e. For
better protection, experts recommend choosing fabrics that are 100 percent
polyester; dark colored; tightly woven and loose fitting, and to cover up with
dry clothing after swimming.

This lightweight gear, available through
catalogs and sporting good stores comes in Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)
15 to 50 and has been shown to block 95 percent of UVB rays, both wet and dry. A review of previous studies by the American Cancer Society
found that drinking green tea may help prevent skin cancer -- and it may even
be effective when added to skin care creams. However , damage that later
results in skin cancer is accumulated in childhood. Learn
more at http://www .com . However, emollients
and topical corticosteroids could be added to the treatment regimen, if the
treating physician felt it was warranted. More than 75% of patients (n=269) continued to rate their disease
control as either "complete" or "good" at the end of the extension study.
The stress of eczema also affects caregivers and other family members of
children who suffer from eczema," says Dr. Pimecrolimus selectively blocks the production and release of
cytokines from T-cells. Many factors could cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any
future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied
by such forward-looking statements.

xeroderma mastocytosis

Possible signs and symptoms may include a:
* New spot
* Mole that changes size shape or color
* Sore that doesn't heal
* Spot that is itchy, tender or painful

For melanoma, the first sign often is a change in the size, shape , color
or feel of an existing normal mole. The UVB rays are the sun's burning rays (which are
generally blocked by window glass) and are the primary cause of sunburns.

Q: What type of clothing offers the best protection from UV rays?
A: Covering up is a valuable skin cancer prevention strategy and what a
person wears makes all the difference. If the
shirt is wet, it loses about a third of its sun-blocking properties. Anderson recently found that a naturally occurring
compound in cranberries, grapes and peanuts -- known as resveratrol -- is
linked to anti-cancer activity and may help prevent a wide variety of cancers
including skin cancer. Human studies are currently looking at whether naturally
occurring and synthetic vitamin A derivatives (retinoids) can inhibit tumor
development in certain rare forms of leukemia, as well as cancers of the
airway, upper bowel, skin and cervix. While
such products can offer additional peace of mind, it is important to remember
to apply sunscreen to exposed skin and wear a hat and sunglasses. While no specific age is recommended
to begin screening for skin cancer (annual head-to-toe skin examinations are
recommended for adults ), it is important to know your skin type and possible
risk factors., tingling or itching), and continued for as long as the flare
persisted. The most common adverse events
(occurring in 5% of patients or more) were infections (nasopharyngitis 13.006). If
symptoms persist beyond six weeks, patients should see their doctor.

stasis bhi

Q: Is it true SPF levels higher than 30 are not necessary?
A: A sunscreen with a SPF of 15-30 is a good choice for most people.

Q: If I use both regular sunscreen and make-up with SPF, which should I
apply first?
A: Sunscreen should be applied after a shower or bath and before applying
makeup.

Q: Will washing clothes with an SPF detergent add a significant level of
protection against UV rays?
A: There are products that increase the UV protection in clothing, such as
cotton t-shirts, with a single wash.

Skin Cancer Prevention and Children

Q: I never wore sunscreen as a child, but I always wear it now. Should I
still be worried about skin cancer?
A: Skin cancer is uncommon in children . and 4 p.

Skin Cancer Screening

Q: Should I begin being screened for skin cancer at any particular age?
A: The risk of skin cancer increases with age; therefore, it is never too
early to begin annual skin examinations. Patients were not required to
see their doctor before resuming treatment for a flare.
Perceptions of disease control, as provided by the patient or caregiver , were
rated on a scale of 0-3 (complete control to uncontrolled disease). Treatment success rates , specifically for the face and whole
body, at the end of the core study were 78. There are no guarantees that the
aforementioned events will result in the commercial success of Elidel
(pimecrolimus) Cream 1% in any market.

Information about skin disorders and diseases.

keratosis stasis

Q: How will I know if I have skin cancer? What are the differences
between normal and abnormal moles?
A: Symptoms of nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers vary from person to
person, therefore it is important for individuals to recognize any changes in
the skin that are unusual.
* Their Diameter may change in size.

Q: Do darker-skinned people such as African-Americans and Hispanics
experience the same risk of skin cancer as Caucasians? Do skin cancer
treatments differ for dark-skinned people?
A: While the incidence of skin cancer, including melanoma, is relatively
low in ethnic populations with darker skin, the risks are equal. do I need to
apply it before sun exposure)?
A: Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going into the sun so it
has a chance to be absorbed by the skin .
* Chemotherapy: where drugs are used to stop the growth of cancer cells
by killing them or by stopping the cells from dividing.
The National Eczema Association for Science and Education (NEASE) was one of
the leading groups involved in the development and implementation of this
study , along with other patient-focused organizations from around the world.

About Elidel
Elidel(R) (pimecrolimus) Cream 1%, from Novartis Pharmaceuticals, is a
safe and effective treatment option for the long-term management of mild to
moderate eczema.
Developed by the Novartis Research Institute, Elidel may be used on all
skin surfaces, including delicate areas such as the face, neck and skin folds.2 billion in R+D.

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Q: How often do I need to reapply sunscreen?
A: Sunscreen should be reapplied about every 60 to 90 minutes, or after
swimming or heavy perspiration, even if the sunscreen is waterproof or sweat-
proof.org/diseases/skincancer/ .
Results were evaluated by the Investigators' Global Assessment (IGA)
score, using a 6-point scale of 0-5 (clear to very severe disease).
As in previous long-term studies, patients treated with Elidel in a
naturalistic setting -- a clinical study environment that closely replicates
real life situations -- experienced sustained long-term relief of their eczema
symptoms. In the core study, 79.4% [n=200]; 48.

About Eczema
Currently, eczema affects up to 17 percent of the U.

dermnet fingernail

About 10 percent of all
patients with melanoma have family members who also have had the disease. Check to see the sunscreen contains the ingredients
octylcrylene, benzophenone or avobenzone , these offer the best protection
against harmful UV rays. Four types of treatments are standard for
skin cancer:
* Surgery: where tumors are cut from the skin in thin layers.
* Photodynamic therapy: where drugs that are not active until they are
exposed to laser light are injected into the veins.9%), application-site conditions (10%) and headache (8%). The data presented at the American
Academy of Dermatology meeting are from a sub-analysis of approximately 400
patients and caretakers of patients from the United States. The
assessments were based on the Parent's Index of Quality of Life-Atopic
Dermatitis (PIQoL-AD), a standard measure used for those patients aged 12 and
under, and the Quality of Life Index for Atopic Dermatitis (QoLIAD) for those
older than 18 years. It is a prescription cream approved for the short-term and
intermittent long-term treatment of mild to moderate eczema in patients two
years and above, who do not respond well to, or may have side effects with,
conventional treatments. Those statements reflect the current views of the
Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks,
uncertainties and assumptions.

Contacts :
Megan Humphrey
Director, Communications
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
P: 862-778-6724

Kristin Seyffarth
Ruder Finn, Inc.

patella suppurativa

D. For more
information, visit http://www. Itch
(pruritus) severity was rated on a scale of 0-3 (absent to severe disease).
Application-site burning, pruritus and impetigo all became less frequent in
the extension study.

This release contains certain forward-looking statements, relating to
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation's (the Company) business, which can be
identified by the use of forward -looking terminology such as "hopes to help,"
"help facilitate," or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy,
plans or intentions.

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* Occupational exposure to coal, tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic or radium. In men, melanomas are
commonly found on the chest or back.

Q: If I don't burn, am I still causing skin damage?
A: Even if you don't burn, any change in skin color is a sign of permanent
skin damage that may lead to melanoma and other skin cancers, as well as
premature aging, including wrinkles and age spots.

Skin Protection - Sunscreen

Q: How long does it take for sunscreen to begin working (i. The
Food and Drug Administration no longer approves labeling sunscreens with a SPF
over 30, citing research has not shown SPFs over 30 to significantly increase
protection. Any additional sunscreen in make-up is a plus, but
should not be relied on solely.
Additionally, experts in epidemiology encourage parents to model good
behavior for the children when it comes to sun safety. A doctor or
nurse checks the skin for bumps or spots that look abnormal in color, size,
shape, or texture. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston has earned the distinct honor of
consistently being ranked among the nation's top two cancer hospitals in U . The extension study included 368 of those patients who remained in the
study and were treated for up to 18 months.6% (n=277) of patients who had used Elidel
twice daily experienced relief from the itching associated with mild to
moderate eczema.4%, influenza 6. This side
effect was temporary and its occurrences were comparable to those experienced
by patients on vehicle cream.
The active ingredient is pimecrolimus, which is derived from ascomycin, a
natural substance produced by the fungus Streptomyces hygroscopicus var.

dermnet mastocytosis

Q: Are there risk factors besides sun exposure?
A: While the sun's ultraviolet rays are a major cause of skin cancer,
there are other lifestyle , environmental and genetic factors that may increase
one's risk of developing the disease.

Q: What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
A: Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays -- ultraviolet A rays
and ultraviolet B rays. Since most clothing offers minimal protection ,
wear sunscreen under clothing and be sure sunglasses have UVA and UVB
protections -- which should filter at least 80 percent of the sun's rays. Instead, shield them with
protective clothing when out during the day. Anderson's Cancer Prevention Center provides consumers with
information looking for cancer prevention and risk reduction guidance. Additional information is
available through the American Cancer Society webpage at http://www.org
and the American Academy of Dermatology at http: //www. Richard Langley, Assistant Professor, Director
of Research, Division of Dermatology, Dalhousie University, Canada. "Eczema is not only a
physical disease.8 billion.

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* Large numbers of normal or atypical moles (more than 50). The study also found that many doctors are not
aggressive enough in checking for melanomas in ethnic patients or in following
up on them when they are detected -- leading to more developed, "thicker"
tumors that are more difficult to treat. Any tan is a sign of
skin damage -- avoid going to tanning salons or using any other artificial
light sources. In a survey by the
American Academy of Dermatology, 79 percent of teens aged 12 to 17 were aware
that getting a suntan was dangerous for their skin; another 81 percent were
aware that childhood sunburns increase their risk of developing skin cancer.m.
* Excisional biopsy: a scalpel is used to remove the entire growth. Treatment-related herpes
simplex occurred in 4 patients (1."
ISOLATE is a large and comprehensive study, including 2,000 participants
from eight countries (United States, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico,
Netherlands, Poland, and United Kingdom). This common and often
distressing skin condition tends to run in families, especially when there is
a family history of eczema, hay fever or asthma. Such statements include descriptions of the potential
benefit of Elidel (pimecrolimus) Cream 1% as evidenced by clinical trial
results and FDA approval. Headquartered in Basel,
Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 81,400 people and
operate in over 140 countries around the world.

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Both UVA and UVB rays can cause suppression of the immune system . In women, these areas often include the
back, thighs and calves. One recent
study found that melanoma rates among Latino males are growing at rates double
that of Caucasian males.
However , 60 percent admitted they suffered at least one sunburn during the
summer of 2004 and 66 percent believed that people appear physically more
healthy with a tan. While melanoma in people under
age 20 is uncommon, it is not unheard of and can occur at any age.
Children should follow sun safety guidelines -- use sunscreen of at least
SPF 15 and apply it often, wear sun protective clothing and limit time in the
sun, especially between 10 a.

Nearly all skin cancers are treatable if caught early.cancer. Additional data demonstrate burden of eczema and the impact of Elidel on
patient quality of life

NEW ORLEANS, Long-term intermittent treatment with
Elidel(R) (pimecrolimus) Cream 1% in both adult and pediatric patients
provided control of the symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis, commonly
known as eczema, for up to 18 months, according to new study results announced
this week during the 63rd annual meeting of the American Academy of
Dermatology in New Orleans. In this study, a flare was defined as inflammation of the skin
requiring a physician consultation or application of prescription medication. Those parents who had previously reported concerns about
corticosteroid use had a significantly greater improvement in quality of life
six months after Elidel treatment than did those without such concerns (median
score change =3 for concerned vs. Eczema
is a broadly used term to describe patchy, red, dry itchy and scaly skin ,
which, when severe, can "weep," bleed and/or crust over.

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Sunscreen should be allowed to be fully absorbed by the skin before
applying make-up with SPF; chemicals in the two products may mix and actually
lower the overall SPF effectiveness. Sun-blocking clothes with sun protection woven
into the fabric are another option.

Q: Can vitamins and supplements help protect against skin cancer?
A: Although no dietary supplement has been shown to completely prevent
cancer, research being conducted in the field is showing that some nutrients,
vitamins and phytochemicals may have the potential for providing additional
protection against some cancers.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Q: How is skin cancer diagnosed and treated?
A: Skin cancer is typically diagnosed by a skin examination.1% (n=188). It can carry a psychological burden and influence the
quality of life of patients and caregivers. Eczema almost always begins
in childhood, usually during infancy .
Located in East Hanover, New Jersey, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
is an affiliate of Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in
pharmaceuticals and consumer health.com.

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These sunscreens stay on the
skin longer even if they get wet, but they are not actually "waterproof" since
no product is completely waterproof. There are 3 main types of
skin biopsies:
* Shave biopsy: a sterile razor blade is used to "shave-off" the
abnormal-looking growth.

Q: Where can I go for more information?
A: M.newswise. Any time signs or symptoms returned, patients resumed twice daily
treatment, in effort to prevent progression. Any such success can be affected by,
among other things, uncertainties relating to product development, adverse
results in clinical trials regulatory actions or delays or government
regulation generally, the ability to obtain or maintain patent or other
proprietary intellectual property protection, competition in general and other
risks and factors referred to in the Company's current Form 20-F on file with
the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States.

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Need-to-Know Skin Cancer Facts From M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Skin Cancer Risk Factors

Q: Can you be genetically pre-disposed to skin cancer?
A: With skin cancer, the environment plays a role, but individuals can be
born with a genetic disposition toward, or vulnerability to, developing
cancer.

Q: Is make -up with SPF sufficient? Or do I need to use sunscreen also?
A: This can depend on skin type . Such additives, containing a new UV
protectant know as TINOSORB(r) FD and can be added to a regular wash cycle to
block up to 96 percent of the sun's harmful rays for up to 20 washes.
Again, these results were sustained for an additional six months during the
extension study (70. Orlow. Participants
underwent in-depth telephone interviews utilizing a comprehensive
questionnaire developed in collaboration with national eczema patient groups
and physicians.

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D. UVA rays also contribute to sunburns and signs of
aging.
Researchers at M. If sunscreen, hats and
other forms of sun protection are a family routine, children are more likely
to continue this behavior, as they grow older.3% (n=262) of the patients who continued to be monitored in the
extension study.6% [n=172], respectively ). The incidence of adverse events
decreased from the end of the core study to the end of the extension study. Elidel can be used twice daily at the first sign of
a flare, which has been described by patients as tingling or itch.

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* Their Color may be uneven, with shades of black and brown., which are the times to avoid sun exposure.
Research shows that regular use of sunscreen during the first 18 years of life
could reduce the lifetime incidence of skin cancer by 78 percent.

New Study Shows Elidel Provides Effective Long-Term Management of Flare-Ups Associated With Eczema

9% (n=224 ) and 53.3g/day at the end of the core study to 2.9%,
upper respiratory tract infection 6. The study also revealed that about 75% of eczema
patients and caregivers lack confidence in the ability to effectively manage
their disease when it does flare-up.
ascomyceticus.

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Further, research has identified certain mutations in genes and chromosomes
that play a role in the formation of melanoma . Melanomas can vary greatly in the way
they look, but generally show one or more of the "ABCDE" features:
* Their shape may be Asymmetrical.

Tanning and Sunburns

Q: Is tanning in a tanning bed safer than tanning in the sun?
A: There is no such thing as a safe tan . Tanning beds produce the same
UVA radiation as the sun and are not a safe alternative. D.g. These compelling results were sustained for an additional six
months in 75.1%).
"Patients often report that eczema flares influence multiple aspects of
their lives, including the ability to sleep or even attend work or school. Other common side effects included headache and
cold symptoms, such as stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and, rarely, viral skin
infections. These cytokines in the skin cause the inflammation,
redness and itching associated with eczema.

About Novartis
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufacturers
and markets leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of
diseases and conditions, including central nervous system disorders, organ
transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, dermatological diseases, respiratory
disorders , cancer and arthritis.

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HOUSTON, Up to two-thirds of all cancers may be
prevented through dietary and lifestyle changes.
* More than three blistering sunburns before age 18.
Melanoma , which is rare and more life threatening, tend to be found on
areas that are intermittently exposed to sunlight. Melanoma
often appears in ethnic populations on non-sun-exposed sites with less
pigment , such as the palms, soles and the areas around the nails." Like other types of sunscreens,
water -resistant sunscreens still need to be reapplied often (about every 60 to
90 minutes) when sweating or swimming, and especially after towel drying, when
it can be rubbed off.

Beyond Sunscreen: Other Methods of Skin Cancer Prevention

Q: Are there other things I can do besides wearing sunscreen to protect
myself from skin cancer?
A: To provide added protection, use clothes to cover up, such as long
sleeved shirts and pants (dark clothing with a tight weave is best), a broad-
brimmed hat and sunglasses. In laboratory studies, curcumin, the pungent yellow
spice found in turmeric and curry powder, blocks a key biological pathway
needed for development of melanoma and other cancers, say M.
"Helping patients control symptoms long-term is a key goal in the overall
management of eczema," says Dr. The Group
invested approximately USD 4.novartis.