What is Actinic Keratosis?

Aktinic Keratosis is a term used to describe a precursor to skin cancer caused by prolonged (unprotected) exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. “Aktinic” refers to sunlight and “keratosis” refers to the thickening of the top layer of the skin. Together, this literally means “sun-induced thickening of the skin”.

How can you recognize Actinic Keratosis?

It usually appears as red scaly patches, or a crusty thickening on the surface of the skin. Especially in areas that are often exposed to the sun, such as the face (forehead/nose), ears, hands, and forearms. A bare skull is also a place where these spots can occur.

What treatments are available?

• Cryotherapy: Here, the affected area is frozen with liquid nitrogen to destroy the abnormal cells.
• Laser therapy, or intensive peels: In some cases, a series of these treatments can be used to address and remove the spots.
• Intensive prescription creams (e.g. a chemo cream) can help remove abnormal skin cells.
• Curettage, or excision: the troubled areas are surgically removed.

How can you prevent it?

Prevention is better than cure!

• Use UV protection daily and apply on time if you are outside for more than 2 hours;
• Try to avoid sun exposure at the strongest times of the day as much as possible (between 12:00 — 15:00);
• Provide some extra protection such as a hat or hat;
• Professional skin improvement in the form of Retinol, or Vitamin A, are scientific evidence that they can still repair DNA damage in the skin up to a certain point.
• It is essential to consult a dermatologist in time, as untreated actinic keratosis spots can develop into skin cancer.

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