The impact of sun protective behavior and vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D level in melanoma patients

e19025

Background: Vitamin D (VitD) is synthesized in the skin as a result of exposure to sunlight and its deficiency is common in the general population as well as in cancer patients. Sun protection is strongly recommended for patients after a melanoma diagnosis. We conducted a pilot study to assess the prevalence of VitD deficiency and the impact of both sun protective behavior and VitD supplementation on VitD levels in melanoma patients Methods: Adult patients with AJCC Stage 0-III melanoma were recruited from the Washington Cancer Institute between July 2011 and January 2012. Subjects completed a questionnaire asking about oral VitD supplementation and sun protective behaviors. VitD deficiency was defined by a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level less than 30ng/mL. Pearson Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine predictors of VitD deficiency. Results: A total of 49 participants (20 males, 29 females) completed the questionnaire and provided a blood sample for 25(OH)D determinations. Median age was 52 years (23-82), and most (n=48, 98%) were Caucasian. The majority had either stage 0 (n= 13, 27%) or 1 (n=29, 59%) melanoma. Twenty-six (53%) reported regular use of VitD supplements, and the majority reported sun protective behaviors (n=36, 73%). The prevalence of VitD deficiency was 46% (n=23). VitD deficiency was more common in patients who were not taking VitD supplementation (73% vs. 26%, p<0.01). Other associations include: (1) BMI>25 vs. BMI ≤25 (57% vs. 33%, p=0.10); (2) winter vs. summer months(54% vs. 40%, p=0.34); (3) those who practiced sun protective behavior vs. not (50% vs. 38%, p=0.48). On multivariate analysis, the use or non-use of VitD supplementation remained the only significant predictor of VitD deficiency (OR=0.11, p<0.01). Conclusions: VitD deficiency is common in melanoma patients especially in those who are not on VitD supplementation.

Neem oil: an herbal therapy for alopecia causes dermatitis

For more than 2,000 years, the neem tree has been considered one of the most useful and versatile plants in the world. Neem oil has been used for both homeopathic remedies and as a pesticide. Both systemic and contact reactions have occurred with the use of neem oil. We report a patient who presented with an acute case of contact dermatitis on the scalp and face after the use of neem oil for alopecia and present a review of the literature regarding its uses, toxicity, and regulation.