General Cycling Discussion - Protection from the sun " Sun Damage, Precancers, Skin cancers

I recently a few months back was told that I have Actinic Cheilitis which is a common precancerous condition of the lip due to sun damage. I am nearing the end of the first treatment to get rid of it and hopefully the last . I have been treating my lower lip with FU-5 cream which seeks out and destroys the precancerous cells and causes a reaction that makes your lip all red, crusty with occasional bleeding.

I Had no idea that I might have anything going on until my mother in law noticed I always seemed to have a slightly dry lower lip. I am 40 years old I know this damage was caused due 25 + years of skiing, Hiking, going to the beach and cycling and not using any protection from the sun in my younger years. But when your young you don't think about this stuff much or take it very serious.

Has anyone else here on the forums dealt with this as well and have info you can provide as far as treatments and results?

I Also wanted to get some ideas on Sun Blocks / Screens that work best in your opinions? I am Looking for sunblock and Chapsticks brands that have proper UVA/UVB protection and any other ideas as far as protecting your self from the sun when out riding.

Regards,

Many of us have skin problems. I see the dermatologist every year. He always finds a few places on my forehead that he freezes with liquid nitrogen :( even though I use SPF65 sunscreen.
I suppose any SPF65 or higher sunscreen will help. I guess the same is true for lip balm.
I don't know if the following website has any good info but it may be worth reading.
http://www.ewg.org/whichsunscreensarebest/2009report

Last summer I discovered Neutrogena Ultimate Sport SPF 70. It works really well. I have not tried it on the lips though...

You can also get sunblock clothing like:
http://www.velowear.com/products/1240182WHTSML.aspx

I'd highly recommend using DCT (Daily Conditioning Treatment) from Blistex on your lips. SPF15, lots of good things for skin, and importantly no traces menthol like other lip balms. It's widely available and relatively inexpensive as well.

Nutrogena is the good stuff, IMO. I've had good luck with the off-brand "walgreens compare-to-nutrogena" stuff.

Lotion that goes on nicely, feels comfortable, and lasts is the stuff that you're most likely to use and re-apply. Gross greasy drippy stuff is going to encourage you, even subconsciously, to not put it on as often.

I also rock one of these everywhere I go spring-summer-fall when not on the bike, and sometimes when I'm on it!
http://www.sunprotectionhats.com/images/catdescr/tilley_1.jpg

ps, I'm not that into blistex. no way does that stuff really last on lips.

http://www.laroche-posay.us/_us/_en/consumer/catalog/anthelios.aspx?
Try #60. It works well and stays on even with sweat and water.

My dermatologist says SPF 15 is enough but use lots of it. He said since the high SPF blocks are expensive people dont use enough.