Heliocare is a brand of sun-protection products, and Fernblock is the patented, natural extract of the Polypodium leucotomos fern that is the key active ingredient in Heliocare products, both topical and oral. Heliocare has been shown in several research studies to exhibit a variety of antioxidant and photoprotective properties.
No. Heliocare is not a sunscreen and should not be used alone as a method of sun protection. It should always be used in combination with sunscreen, sun avoidance and sun protection.
Various forms of Heliocare exist, both oral and topical. The following is just a sample of some oral forms.
Heliocare Oral capsules should be taken half an hour before sun exposure. 2 capsules a day for daily sun exposure (1 in the morning and 1 at mid-day).
For patients with vary fair skin, Heliocare may be used as an adjunctive to the usual measures to reduce the adverse effects of acute and chronic photodamage.
In a manner similar to fair-skinned patients, Heliocare has also been used adjunctively with therapies for actinic keratosis. One study demonstrated improved clearance of AKs in patients treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Heliocare as compared to PDT alone.
For patients with disorders causing photosensitivity, e.g. PMLE, lupus erythematosis, Heliocare can prove very beneficial. This author has had one patient with PMLE for whom Heliocare was dramatically helpful. In a published study, Heliocare was shown to markedly reduce flares in a patient with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus when added to their treatment regimen.
In a 12-week randomized study, the combination of sunscreen (SPF 45) and Heliocare 240mg twice daily proved to be superior to sunscreen (SPF 45) and placebo in females with epidermal melasma,
Several studies have shown Heliocare plus phototherapy (e.g. nbUVB) results in greater repigmentation in patients with vitiligo than phototherapy alone.
Note: Dr. White does not receive any moneys from any company associated with Heliocare.
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