1 in 6 people will develop at least one actinic keratosis in their lifetime
Older people have a higher chance of developing AKs as they have accumulated sun damage for longer
Actinic Keratosis are precancerous lesions. There is a chance that the cells can breach the epidermal-dermal junction, and enter the dermis, they become a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which is capable of spreading to other parts of the body.
Actinic keratosis that grow larger, bleed, ulcerate, or become infected, are more dangerous, and at a higher risk of becoming, or already is in the process of becoming a cancerous tumour.
The immune system appears to be capable of controlling or at least tempering the growth of tumours like actinic keratosis. Those who are immunosuppressed by disease or medication have a much higher rate of developing actinic keratosis when compared to the general population.
Early treatment is strongly recommended, as these actinic keratosis is almost always treatable with very little negative side-effects. Treatments divide themselves into topical therapy which take longer and are often irritating to the skin, but do not leave scars, and surgical destruction which is immediate, but may leave scars.
Protecting yourself from the sun with appropriate measures, and periodically having your skin checked by a dermatologist are two of the best measures to protect yourself from actinic keratosis and skin cancer.
As much of the sun exposure occurs during childhood, it is very important to teach your child about proper sun protection. It will save them from many related troubles later in life.
Actinic keratosis development is usually just the tip of the iceberg. They manifest in areas of extensive sun damage. Treatment can be directed at each individual lesion, or to the whole area that is damaged.
Related video playlist: Sun Damage and Skin Cancer
