"12 Things That Up Your Risk Of Sun Damage" - Alyssa Jung
Failing to apply sunscreen isn’t the only thing that makes you more likely to get sunburned. Conditions or treatments that suppress the immune system put you at increased risk of skin cancer and sun damage, said Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, director of the skin of color center at Mount Sinai, and site chair in the department of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Examples include immunosuppressive therapy to treat severe lupus, psoriasis, or rheumatologic conditions, chemotherapy, or poorly controlled HIV," he said. A niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency is associated with increased sensitivity to the sun, Dr. Alexis added. Meat, mushrooms, peanuts, and fortified grains are especially high in the nutrient. On the other hand, foods like limes, celery, and parsley contain a photosensitizing compound that can result in sunburn-like reactions.
- Andrew Alexis, MD, MPH, Associate Professor, Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Director, The Skin of Color Center at Mount Sinai, Site Chair, Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s-Mount Sinai West