overview
Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch of skin.
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Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops after years of exposure to the sun. It is commonly found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of hands.
Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, develops slowly and usually occurs in people over the age of 40. You can reduce the risk of this skin condition by minimizing exposure to the sun and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Without treatment, the risk of actinic keratoses turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is around 5 to 10%. Actinic keratosis Treatment in Hyderabad
symptoms
Actinic keratoses differ in appearance. Signs and symptoms are:
- Rough, dry, or scaly patch of skin, usually less than an inch in diameter
- Flat to slightly raised spot or lump on the top layer of skin
- In some cases a hard, warty surface
- Color variations, including pink, red, or brown
- Itching, burning, bleeding, or crusting
- New spots or bumps on sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, hands and forearms
The reasons
Actinic keratosis is caused by frequent or intense exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop actinic keratosis. However, you are at an increased risk if you:
- Do you have red or blonde hair and blue or light eyes?
- You have a history of sun exposure or sunburn
- Prone to freckles or burns when exposed to the sun
- Are over 40 years old
- Live in a sunny place
- Work outside
- Do you have a weakened immune system?
prevention
Sun protection is necessary to prevent the development and recurrence of plaques and spots in actinic keratosis.
To protect your skin from the sun, do the following:
- Limit your time in the sun. Most importantly, avoid spending time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And avoid staying in the sun so long that you get sunburned or tanned.
- Use sunscreen. Before going outdoors on a cloudy day, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Use sunscreen on any exposed skin and lip balm with sunscreen on your lips. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you go out and reapply it every two hours – or more often if you swim or sweat.
Sunscreens are not recommended for babies under 6 months of age. Avoid keeping them out of the sun or protecting them with shade, hats and clothing that covers arms and legs.
For extra protection from the sun, wear tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs. Also wear a wide-brimmed hat that offers more protection than a baseball cap or golf visor. Actinic keratosis Treatment in Hyderabad
Avoid tanning beds. UV radiation from a solarium can damage the skin just as badly as a tan acquired in the sun.