Actinic keratosis is a precancerous lesion that is characterized by rough patches on the skin. It usually caused by excessive UV exposure and will appear on the face, head, neck, and arms.

If this condition is left untreated, the patches begin to grow. This is a slow process that is usually diagnosed in older adults rather than younger individuals.

It is vital that you deal with actinic keratosis as soon as possible or it could lead develop into skin cancer.

Preventing Actinic Keratosis

To keep from developing this type of skin lesion, you have to limit your exposure to the sun. Avoid using tan-accelerating products or tanning beds. And when you go outside remember to use sunblock with an SPF of at least 30.

Keep in mind that for sunblock to be effective you have to reapply regularly and frequently. If you are going to stay outside for prolonged periods of time, wear protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats and long sleeved shirts. Here are the main actinic keratosis symptoms to look for:

Keep an Eye Out for These Symptoms to Look For

Actinic keratosis skin is characterized by dry or scaly patches of skin. These lesions can either be totally flat or slightly raised. They can range in color from pink to red to brown.

The lesions are not very large, usually less than an inch in diameter. These patches may be accompanied by an itching or burning sensation.

Actinic keratosis lesions will go away when you stop exposing your skin to the sun and come back if you increase your exposure to the sun. If you try removing the dry patch it will not remove the actinic keratosis because it will reappear.

Learning How to Treat Actinic Keratosis

Your first step is to reduce the amount of solar exposure you receive. Then, decide which type of treatment is right for you, your skin, and your skin condition. There are several possible options so take your time to decide which is right for you.

Chemical peels and dermabrasion are medical treatments that can help remove the upper layers of the skin. They are usually used to treat premature aging signs such as wrinkles and age spots. However, they can remove the layers of the skin that are affected by actinic keratosis lesions.

Topical chemotherapy drugs can be used to treat this skin problem. In some cases your doctor may also prescribe drugs that help the immune system reject precancerous growths.