ACTINIC KERATOSIS : causes , symptoms , prevention
ACTINIC KERATOSIS
An actinic keratosis is a rough , scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure . found on the face, lips , ears , forearms , scalp , neck or back of the hands .
An actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40 . reduce risk of the skin condition by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays . left untreated , the risk of actinic keratoses turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is about 5% to 10% .
SYMPTOMS OF ACTINIC KERATOSIS
Actinic keratoses vary in appearance . signs and symptoms include :
- rough , dry or scaly patch of skin , usually less than 1 inch in diameter.
- flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin .
- in some cases , a hard , wartlike surface
- color variations , including pink , red or brown
- itching , burning , bleeding or crushing
new patches or bumps on sun exposed areas of the head , neck , hands and forearms
CAUSES OF ACTINIC KERATOSIS
The most common cause of actinic keratosis is too much exposure to UV light . UV light comes from the sun or indoor tanning equipment , such as tanning beds . UV light can damage your outer layer of skin cells , called keratinocytes .
PREVENTION OF ACTINIC KERATOSIS
The best way to prevent actinic keratosis is to avoid prolonged UV exposure . you can protect your skin by :
- applying sunscreen everyday , even in cloudy weather or during winter , and re - applying often - at least every two hours . use a broad - spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 sun protection factor [ SPF ] that blocks UVA and UVB light .
- avoiding sun exposure when UV light is most intense , between 10 am and 2 pm .
- avoiding tanning salons sun lamps and tanning beds .
- wearing sun safe clothing , such as long - sleeved shirts , long pants and hats.
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