If you spend a lot of time in the sun, then it's likely that you have actinic keratosis. It is a precancerous skin lesion that manifests itself as rough patches on the skin. Actinic keratosis usually appears in areas that are commonly exposed to the sun: head, neck, arms and face.

This problem is usually seen in older adults because it tends to develop quite slowly. This is why you should treat actinic keratosis as soon as it is diagnosed or it will continue to grow.

How to Prevent Actinic Keratosis

This type of skin lesion can be prevented if you take precautionary measures and protect your skin from the sun. It is important that you learn how to limit your skin's exposure to the sun. Wearing sun block or sunscreen and reapplying it frequently is the best way to keep your skin protected.

Wearing protective gear like wide brimmed hats and long sleeve shirts will protect your skin and reduce your chances of developing actinic keratosis. Also find a shady place to rest if you're planning on staying outside for extended periods of time. You should also avoid tanning beds and tan accelerating products.

Actinic Keratosis Symptoms

You can identify actinic keratosis skin by the appearance of dry or scaly patches of skin. These lesions can be totally flat or slightly raised and range in color from pink to red to brown.

They are relatively small - less than 1 inch in diameter - and may itch or burn. Removing one of these patches isn't the solution. Without real treatment, the lesions will only grow back.

You can, however, make the lesions subside by limiting your exposure to the sun. However, once you've increased your exposure to the sun, they will quickly grow back. It is vital to consult with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have actinic keratosis.

Treat Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis treatment usually begins with limiting the person's exposure to the sun. The doctor will then remove a lesion and send it be biopsied so that he or she can determine the best type of treatment for that person.

The results of the biopsy will determine whether the doctor will indicate cryosurgery, dermabrasion, or topical chemotherapy drugs to treat the lesions. In some cases prescribed drugs may be used help the immune system reject precancerous growths.