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Thursday, November 12, 2009
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Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis - close-up
Actinic keratosis - close-up
Actinic keratosis - ear
Actinic keratosis - ear
Actinic keratosis on the arm
Actinic keratosis on the arm
Actinic keratosis on the forearms
Actinic keratosis on the forearms
Actinic keratosis on the scalp
Actinic keratosis on the scalp
Alternative Names

Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar)


Prevention

Ways to prevent actinic keratosis:

  • Reduce sun exposure and protect your skin from the sun.
  • Wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.
  • Try to avoid sun exposure during midday, when ultraviolet light is most intense.
  • Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15. Pick a sunscreen that blocks both UBA and UVB light.
  • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply frequently.
  • Use sunscreen year-round, including in the winter.

References

de Berker D, McGregor JM, Hughes BR. Guidelines for the management of actinic keratoses. Br J Dermatol. 2007;156:222-230.



Review Date: 10/11/2008
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
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