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Recent studies have shown that nonmelanoma skin cancers are on the rise. 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 numbers, experts assure us that we are in the midst of an epidemic.

The types of skin cancers assessed during this study were mainly keratinocyte carcinomas, in other words, 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 these findings, it has become evident that the importance of self-exams is no longer an option, but an obligation if you're concerned about your health or skin. For example, by not checking your skin on a regular basis you may be unaware of the existence of precancerous lesions, such actinic keratosis, lesions that if left untreated can lead to cancer (specifically squamous cell carcinoma).

Actinic Keratosis Treatment and Symptoms

Actinic keratosis develops slowly, which is why it is most often spotted in older adults. 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 "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.

Diagnosis is the first step to treatment. 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. No matter what your doctor prescribes, you will still need to reduce your exposure to the sun and use a powerful sunscreen.

Skin Care Products for 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. In conjunction with dermatological treatment, these types of creams can work wonders for your skin.

Of course, actinic keratosis prevention is preferable to treatment. Prevention is as easy as applying sunscreen every day before you leave your house. This simple step will help you avoid problems and save you some money in the long run.