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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