Home Remedies and Herbs for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally and become cancerous.¹ It’s the most common type of cancer in the United States² and affects one out of every five Americans sometime in their life.³ There are several types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.¹ Most skin cancers appear on parts of the body often exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, ears, arms, back, and lower legs.⁴ If left untreated, skin cancer can spread to other areas of the body.² Skin cancer can be treated through surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, and photodynamic therapy.² Certain skin cancer natural remedies may help slow the cancer progression or help prevent it.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when the DNA in skin cells mutates.⁵ This damage is usually caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation that comes from the sun and tanning beds.⁵ However, other factors, such as exposure to toxic substances or having a weakened immune system, may also play a role in its formation.⁵ Factors that increase your risk include:

• Spending a lot of time outdoors, especially without wearing sunscreen
• Having light colored skin
• Using tanning beds
• Having a family history of skin cancer
• Previously having skin cancer
• Having other skin conditions like psoriasis
• Having human papilloma virus (HPV)⁶

Skin cancer can develop at any age, but risk increases the older you are.⁶

Skin Cancer Symptoms

Skin cancer symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer you have. These symptoms are as follows:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Pearly or waxy lump on the skin
• Flat, scar-like lesion that’s brown or flesh colored⁷
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Firm, red nodule
• Flat, scaly lesion⁷
• Melanoma
• Brownish spot with dark freckles
• Mole that changes in feel, size, or color
• Small lesion with irregular border⁷

The only way to be sure you have skin cancer is to talk to a doctor and get your suspicious mole or spot tested.⁴

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Skin Cancer

If you’re looking for skin cancer herbal remedies for prevention and treatment, start with these skin cancer natural remedies:

• Radium Weed - Radium weed is a plant that acts as a skin cancer natural cure. Apply topically to skin cancer areas several times per day to dissolve certain skin cancers.
• Turmeric - Turmeric is a skin cancer herbal treatment that can help kill melanoma skin cancer cells and prevent further growth.8 Take it in pill form once or twice daily.
• Grape Seed Extract - This skin cancer alternative treatment may help stop the division of cancer cells. It may also help kill cancer cells. Apply the skin cancer herbal treatment topically two to three times daily.
• Green Tea - Green tea is packed with antioxidants that can help prevent and fight many forms of cancer. Drink this skin cancer alternative treatment two to three times per day.
• Cat’s Claw - Cat’s claw can be used as a topical skin cancer natural cure. Apply it several times per day to the affected area to slow the spread of cancerous cells.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/basics/definition/con-20031606
2. https://medlineplus.gov/skincancer.html
3. http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/adult-dermatology/skin-cancer
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/skin-cancer
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/basics/causes/con-20031606
6. http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/skin-cancer/about/skin-cancer-risks-and-causes
7. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/basics/symptoms/con-20031606
8. https://draxe.com/top-5-skin-cancer-symptoms-natural-treatments/