Third relapse

I recently had a BCC surgically removed (third recurrence on my nose) + a new bcc around my eyelid. I'm really tired of it so far. Wondering if maybe I'm doing something wrong.   Yes, I haven't always used sunscreen, but it's just not possible due to various circumstances.  I had a cold last year, bronchitis. The doctor prescribed me a course of antibiotics and told me to be careful with the sun. I read about it and it turns out that almost all antibiotics can contribute to sunburn. And it turns out ibuprofen too, which I've taken many times for back and shoulder pain. This is the only time in my entire life that I've ever been warned by a doctor that medications increase the dangers of the sun and thus the appearance of cancer. It's very frustrating.

For high blood pressure, I take perindopril. My instructions for it do not say that it increases the reaction to the sun, and on the Internet, there is information that it may not be safe. Who should I believe?

  • Hi Natannia,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I'm sorry to hear of your frustrations with this, and also that you've received differing advice.

    It would always be your doctor who is best placed to advise on this, in terms of seeing the full picture of your medical history, and any medications you are taking. Have a chat with them if you have concerns about any of this and/or about sun safety. It's also possible that a pharmacist could help, if this was a quicker or easier option.

    You are also welcome to post in the 'Ask the Nurses' section of this forum to get a reply from one of our nurses, if you would like to, or you can call freephone 0808 800 4040 (Monday-Friday, 9-5) to speak to one of them.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi. I'm currently treating actinic ker, in the past, had SCC removed.  This is the same issue my husband and i have asked many times, what is safe to eat. Medications and foods can be dangerous.  Most medications increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun and many foods do too. You have to read about each product separately.

    From what I know, antibiotics are almost all very dangerous and can cause sunburn to the skin quickly, when taking any ones, sunscreen is a necessity! Blood pressure lowering medications also almost all react with the sun, but in different ways, you need a specialist.

    No doctor has ever explained anything to us. They told us to read the instructions and that's all.

  • Hello Jinjin54

    Our nurses have asked us to point out that while some but not all antibiotics can cause photosensitivity, which can in turn lead to sun burn, it is important to remember that all prescribed and over-the-counter medication used in the UK will have a patient information leaflet, this will list any potential interactions and side effects. Also, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reviews all medicines and medical devicesto makesure they are safe for use.

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • But where to find a specialist? That's the thing, doctors don't find time for us for these conversations and explanations. What, food, too? That's the first I've heard of it.  It's easier to always and everywhere walk around with a thick layer of sunscreen, even though it's disgusting, than to figure it all out.