QUESTION: Moderator: Good morning! Today's live health chat is with Dr. Demetrius Patton of Topolgus Surgical, Bloomington. Dr. Patton will answer your questions on skin cancer treatment and early detection/prevention.

Dr. Patton, thanks for joining us today. Are you ready to get started?

DR. PATTON: Yes, Good Morning.

QUESTION: What do you think of Efudex treatment?

Concerned, Bloomington

DR. PATTON: This is a safe and effective treatment for multiple skin cancers of the face. However, there are many viable options if you have concerns with the Efudex. I would recommend that you discuss these options with your surgeon.

QUESTION: How prevalent is skin cancer in African Americans? Should sunscreen be worn when outdoors?

James, Indianapolis

DR. PATTON: African Americans have the same skin cancer risk as the general population. I would strongly recommend wearing sunscreen when outdoors (at least an SPF of 30). Consider limiting exposure during the mid-day, when the sun's rays are at it's peak.

QUESTION: Dr. Patton, I've purchased hand cream with SPF to protect from sun damage. With handwashing throughout the day, do I need to reapply or is just once in the morning similar to my facial SPF moisturizer sufficient?

Thank you.

Sarah Morin, Bloomington

DR. PATTON: Yes, I would reapply the SPF hand cream periodically throughout the day. A majority of the protection gets removed with usual hand washing.

QUESTION: I desperately need the name and contact information for any physician qualified to make a "as likely as not" determination that a WWII vet's arthritis-like symptoms might [again, only 50-50 chance is good enough] be due to his excessive exposure to ionizing radiation during Operation Crossroads [1946 nuclear tests]. His case is before the Board of Veterans Appeals in DC now, and I have three weeks to get the supportive statement to the assigned BVA judge.

John W. Tilford

DR. PATTON: This is a very tough situation. I would recommend evaluations by both a rheumatologist and a radiation-oncologist. The Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN have experts in both of these fields and would be the best reference. I suggest calling the IUMC operator to direct you to the appropriate physicians.

QUESTION: The medical recommendations for getting enough vitamin D includes some exposure to the sun. Will I get the vitamin benefits even though I also follow the sunscreen recommendations?

Andrea,

DR. PATTON: Sunscreens do not block 100% of the sun's rays, so yes, you will still receive vitamin D conversion while wearing sunscreen protection.

QUESTION: Are there any makeup or OTC skin care preparations that are known to increase the risk of skin cancer?

Andrea, Bloomington

DR. PATTON: I would avoid oil-based makeup or products. They may enhance sun exposure similar to being at the water's edge.

QUESTION: How do I keep my husband out of the sun when he is a golfer with a history of skin cancer?

Qunitina Teipen, Bloomington

DR. PATTON: Golfers have many options for sun protection, including clothing and brimmed hats that provide SPF protection. I would encourage him to carry a small sunscreen bottle to apply to other exposed areas while on the course.

QUESTION: MODERATOR: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks for all the questions.

Dr. Patton, Thanks for taking the time to answer our readers' questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add, any skin care tips?

DR. PATTON: I still want all the readers to enjoy the outdoors. I would recommend wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30- particularly applying to high risk areas including the face, neck, hands, and arms. Also, limit exposure during the mid-day, if possible.

If you have any cancer concerns please contact me at Topolgus Surgical Associates.

Thank you for having me and have a great day.

Demetrius Patton, M.D.