Recent studies have shown that nonmelanoma skin cancers are on the rise. 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 figures, experts now believe that we are in the midst of a cancerous epidemic.

The types of skin cancers being studied were surveyed mainly keratinocyte carcinomas, namely, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Most of the people that took part in this study 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 findings such as these, it becomes more and more evident that it is vital to take care of our 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 & Actinic Keratosis Symptoms

Actinic keratosis usually appears in older people. This is due to the fact that it is very slow to develop. 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.

The first step to treatment is proper diagnosis. 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 prescribed drugs that can help boost your immune system so that your body rejects 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 & Actinic Keratosis

Another type of treatment that has been used in this type of situation are natural skin care products. For example, biological skin creams that contain snail serum have proven effective in helping repair damaged skin and reduce inflammation. You can also use these types of products in conjunction with dermatological treatments.

Actinic keratosis prevention is always preferable to treatment, in fact, it's as easy as applying your favorite sunscreen. This simple step will help you avoid problems and save you some money in the long run.