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Recent studies have shown that nonmelanoma skin cancers are constantly increasing. In fact, a study published in Archives of Dermatology claimed that the amount of procedures performed for nonmelanoma cancers had risen almost 50% from 1992 to 2006. Based on these findings, experts have now declared that we are in the midst of a cancer epidemic.

The types of skin cancers being studied were surveyed mainly keratinocyte carcinomas, namely, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Most of the case studies developed cancer due to voluntary exposure to UV radiation. This comes as no real surprise if you consider the worldwide obsession society has with sunbathing.

Because of these remarkable findings it has now become evident that self-exams are vital in maintaining skin healthy and safe from danger. 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 & 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 on the skin, it presents itself as dry, scaly patches of skin.

Generally, these patches will disappear if you stay out of the sun for prolonged periods of time. But, they always come back. This "out-of-the-sun-solution" is precisely why most people avoid going to the doctor. They simply believe that their only problem is dry skin or an intermittent rash.

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 want you to take prescribed drugs that can help your immune system reject precancerous growths. Whatever the final decision, you will still need to limit your exposure to the sun and use a powerful sunscreen.

Skin Care Products Used to Treat Actinic Keratosis

Natural skin care products can also help you treat this type of precancerous lesion. For example, biological skin creams that contain snail serum can help 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 may be all you need to avoid the elevated costs of treating skin cancer.