If you spend time in the sun, you are at risk for actinic keratosis. As scary as the name sounds, it is actually simply a reaction in your skin that occurs over a period of time. The accumulation of sun exposure to your skin causes this issue, which can occur in both the young and old. There are some people who are more susceptible than others, though. It is important to find out what is actinic keratosis and how you can take care of it to protect yourself.
The Symptoms
The symptoms of this skin issue are typically the same for everyone who experiences them. They appear as small bumps on the surface of the skin and typically have a crusty appearance. In many cases, they resemble a horn because of their raised appearance that is typically dry and can be felt when you touch them. Some people experience pain or inflammation at the base of the bumps and also have a discoloration that varies depending on the pigment of your skin. In some cases, the bumps can even bleed.
Avoiding Skin Issues
While there are treatments available for this skin issue, it is best to prevent them from occurring in the first place. When most people learn the answer to what is actinic keratosis, they do everything they can to protect themselves because it is the first step toward developing skin cancer. The typical precautions that are necessary include wearing protective clothing in the sun and lathering any exposed skin with proper sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Of course, one of the best methods of prevention is to avoid being in the sun, especially during the most dangerous times of the day.
Treatment
If you do end up with actinic keratosis, there are a variety of treatments available, but it is important to talk to your dermatologist because it could be a sign of something more serious, such as skin cancer. A few of the treatment options include topical creams, burning or freezing the bumps off your skin and laser surgery.
Once you learn the answer to what is actinic keratosis, chances are you will want to do everything possible to prevent or treat the problem. If you have not been subjected to the bumps on your skin yet, you should take the necessary precautions to avoid getting it in the first place. If you do find these bumps on your skin, you should talk with your dermatologist as soon as possible to determine the best method of treatment.
