Actinic Keratosis Prevention

Avoiding the cause of actinic keratosis is key for the prevention of the skin condition. The primary cause of the condition is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight and sun protection is, therefore, essential in the prevention of the skin condition.

The most effective way to prevent actinic keratosis is to practice adequate skin protection methods when exposed to sunlight. The following techniques can help to protect skin from the UV rays in sunlight and prevent actinic keratosis:

• Avoiding extended exposure to sunlight
• Wearing appropriate protective clothing
• Using sunscreen on exposed areas of the skin

In general, it is best to keep to shaded areas between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sunlight and UV radiation are the strongest and most likely to cause damage to the skin cells.

Appropriate Clothing

Wearing the appropriate clothing to protect the skin from the sun is particularly important for people who work in an outdoor environment. These individuals spend considerably more time than average in the sun, and the cumulative exposure causes actinic keratosis.

The clothing recommendations include a long-sleeved shirt, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Although sunglasses will not help to prevent actinic keratosis, they are important to protect the eyes from exposure to sunlight.

Sunscreen Application

Sunscreen is very useful to protect skin from UV radiation in sunlight. There are several important factors in the way that sunscreen should be used for optimal results.

• Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, providing protection from both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Use sun protection factor (SPF) +15 or higher on areas exposed to the skin in normal condition.
• SPF30+ or higher is recommended for extended outdoor activities.
• Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before going outside in the sun.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating profusely.

Although actinic keratosis most often presents in the elderly, sun protection for young children who have sensitive skin is essential. This is because their skin can be damaged more easily and sun exposure can eventually lead to the presentation of actinic keratosis.

Similar to sunlight, the radiation used for tanning beds usually contains UV rays and can be very harmful to the skin. Tanning salons should be avoided to help prevent actinic keratosis.

Other Causes

In addition to UV radiation from sunlight, there are various other potential causes of actinic keratosis. In order to prevent the condition, these causes should also be avoided or used only when absolutely necessary. They include:

• X-rays
• Medications such as chemotherapy and immunosuppressants
• Industrial chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)

Regular Check-Ups

It is important for patients to keep track of changes to their skin so that they can recognize early signs of actinic keratosis. In doing so, they can prevent the progression to more serious conditions, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Additionally, an annual check-up including a professional skin exam is recommended for adults over that age of 40, who are most likely to present with signs of actinic keratosis. This includes a general examination of all skin, with a particular focus on the areas that are frequently exposed to sunlight.

References

• http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/how-to-prevent-actinic-keratosis
• https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/actinic-keratosis#tips
• http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/actinic-keratosis/
• http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1099775-treatment#d4