Do you know what is actinic keratosis? This disease is characterized by the appearance on the skin of red-brown dense rough trails that do not disappear for months. They are formed at the areas that are exposed to solar radiation. Do I need to be afraid and to believe that actinic keratosis may be a precursor of cancer?
What is similar to actinic keratosis?
This disease is a reddish or brown discoloration of the skin, they dry, they may be more or less dense. It appears the last fifty years in the open areas of the body, which in the summer are exposed to sunlight: the face, upper chest, scalp and forearm. Sometimes they may be similar to the marks that appear with psoriasis or eczema
Eczema - is difficult to treat
But the difference is that they do not disappear for several months, even when used with cortisone cream, and it begins to disturb.
What are the risks of actinic keratoses?
The appearance of the skin traces typical of actinic keratosis, can actually be precursors of cancer, so you should be very attentive to her, watching the duration of skin lesions. In 3% of cases, it could be a squamous cell carcinoma - a cancer of the skin
Skin cancer - a full recovery possible
.
Therefore, before you try to get rid of their own skin lesions, better sound dermatologist to prevent all possible risks. 10-15% of cases of skin cancer metastasize
Metastasis - danger everywhere
.
There are several types of skin cancer:
- Melanoma - the most dangerous type, because it is disguised as a birthmark or brown spot, which is difficult to recognize the danger.
- Basal cell carcinoma - is the most common cancer of the skin (90% of all cases), but this kind of benign and easy to treat.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is less common, but more dangerous than basal because it has a tendency to metastasize.
Who is at risk for actinic keratoses?
- people over fifty years old;
- People with fair skin, hair and eyes;
- those whose profession is associated with long-term stay in the sun, or those who voluntarily spends a lot of time under the ultraviolet rays.
Actinic keratosis rarely affects people of Mediterranean type - they are more reserved.
How to cure actinic keratosis?
Treatment of actinic keratoses is cryotherapy. This means that the skin rashes cauterizing liquid nitrogen. If traces of the dense, thick and occupy a large area, showing surgical excision, which is performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. If extensive lesions, the doctor will recommend a cream to apply on the basis of immunomodulators
Immunomodulators: a contract with the protective forces of the body
That will enhance the protective functions of the body.
Recommendations that can prevent actinic keratosis, is what we need as little as possible to expose your skin to ultraviolet radiation. Wear clothing that covers exposed areas of the body, wide-brimmed hat protects the face, hands - easy tunic, do not forget to put on your skin cream with SPF.
Regularly inspect your body for tumors that can be a precursor to cancer. At the slightest anxiety shows dermatologist.