Preventing Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a skin problem that is largely preventable. By far, the largest factor in actinic keratosis development is overexposure to the sun's rays. Unfortunately, the dangers of sun exposure became well known to the public rather recently. As a result, many people in the older generation still underestimate the dangers that prolonged sun exposure can have.

Additionally, actinic keratosis is an extremely slow growing skin problem, which makes the connection between sun exposure and AK difficult to ascertain. Actinic keratosis develops long after the damage has been done to the skin.

Patient education is extremely important both for the younger and older generation. Actinic keratosis is only one of the many skin problems that are primarily caused by sun exposure.

Most skin problems such as brown spots, broken blood vessels, wrinkling, as well as actinic keratosis and skin cancer are all to varying degrees, caused by overexposure to the sun's UV rays.

For patients who are worried about developing actinic keratosis, or already have or had actinic keratosis, the most important thing is to avoid excess sun exposure, and to use sunscreens on a daily basis. Living an otherwise healthy lifestyle will also help to boost your immune system, and help to protect you from actinic keratosis development.

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