Health, Eye Care and other related articles

Recent studies have shown that nonmelanoma skin cancers are constantly increasing. As a matter of fact, a study published in Archives of Dermatology claimed that between 1992 and 2006 the number of procedures performed for nonmelanoma cancers has increased almost 50%. Based on these findings, experts have now declared that we are in the midst of a cancer epidemic.

The types of skin cancers that were assessed during this study were mainly keratinocyte carcinomas (that is, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas). Most of the people under observation developed cancer due to voluntary exposure to UV radiation. This is no surprise considering that our society has an obsessive love affair with the sun that has lasted for decades.

Due to these findings, it has become evident that the importance of self-exams is no longer an option, but an obligation if you're concerned about your health or skin. For example, exposing yourself to sun and not checking your skin for possible precancerous lesions, such as actinic keratosis will leave you open and vulnerable to cancer. How is this possible? Because actinic keratosis can lead to cancer when left untreated, more specifically, to squamous cell carcinoma.

Actinic Keratosis Treatment and Symptoms

Actinic keratosis is most often noted in older people because it is a slow developing skin condition. When it does show up you will notice dry, scaly patches of skin.

You can often eliminate these patches by staying out of the sun, however, once you go back out into the sun the dry patches of skin will quickly reappear on your skin. This isn't the best form of treatment and is actually the reason most people think they are cured, nevertheless, they are quick to realize that the problem persists after a few days in the sun.

Diagnosis is the first step to treatment. The doctor will biopsy a piece of affected skin and, depending on the results he or she will then indicate whether you should undergo cryosurgery or dermabrasion to remove the lesions or simply use topical chemotherapy drugs to treat the lesions.

Your doctor may also want you to take prescribed drugs that can help your immune system reject precancerous growths. Whatever the case may be, you will have to limit your exposure to the sun and use a powerful sunscreen.

Skin Care Products for Actinic Keratosis

Natural skin care products can also help you treat this type of precancerous lesion. For example, biological skin creams that contain snail serum can help repair damaged skin and reduce inflammation. You can also use these types of products in conjunction with dermatological treatments.

Of course, actinic keratosis prevention is preferable to treatment. Prevention is as easy as applying sunscreen every day before you leave your house. This step may not seem important, but it will help you avoid the high cost of treating skin cancer.