If you are fond of being outdoors all the time and staying under the sun’s bright rays, you may be at risk for what is known as keratosis. Keratoses, specifically the actinic kind, generally refer to small, uneven spots that feel rough and appear on a person’s skin, which has been constantly exposed to the sun. This condition (aka solar keratosis) typically appears in fair-complexioned people who have chosen to be out in the sunshine for years. Each spot has a dimension from 2-6 mm in diameter. Often colored red, the patches are rough when you touch them. Yellow or white scales may often develop on top of the spots. The problem with these patches is that they can be painful when they are rubbed with clothing or touched by hands.

People who are afflicted with actinic keratoses may have them on their face, scalp, and nape. It is also possible to develop keratoses on one’s forearms as well as the top side of the hands. These are all the places which are the most exposed when one ventures outside under the strong sunshine. The thing that makes keratosis feared is that it can be potentially precancerous. Precancerous means that any actinic keratosis can become skin cancer. An actinic keratosis is diagnosed by a doctors close examination of the area. This is why one must see a doctor immediately when changes show up on your skin to see if they precancerous or not.

Always better than the cure, prevention must always be given importance when it comes to skin problems. Keratosis can be prevented and treated by keeping away from the sun. For those that have the misfortune to already have the condition, keratosis removal is a likely solution to the problem.   Keratosis treatment can come in the form of photodynamic therapy, imiquimod therapy, diclofenac therapy, 5-fluorouracil therapy, cryosurgery as well as cutting or burning of the keratoses.

Annual visits to the doctor are recommended after having keratosis treatment. If any suspicious changes appear with your old keratoses, that may be one sign of cancer, something that is best diagnosed as early as possible. Finally, my last word of advice to you is that after having keratosis, avoid being overly exposed to the sun so that you will prevent the spots from developing more.

Remove age spots and seborrheic keratosis at home in just 14 days. This powerful treatment eats away sun damaged skin cells and leaves healthy skin cells unharmed.