Actinic keratosis - Prevention
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.
- Reviewed last on: 10/11/2008
- 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.
References
de Berker D, McGregor JM, Hughes BR. Guidelines for the management of actinic keratoses. Br J Dermatol. 2007;156:222-230.