Actinic Keratosis is common skin lesions that form as rough, scaly plaques of slow growing epidermal keratinocyte dysplasia. They present largely in the elderly as a result of chronic and cumulative sun exposure. Aside from their unappealing cosmetic appearance and irksome tendency to catch on clothing, they can be an important early step in premalignant progression towards squamous cell carcinoma. As most arise from actinic keratoses, it is important that they be recognised and treated early.
Actinic Keratosis is principally found in sun-exposed areas such as the shoulders, face, hands, ears, and scalp. Incidence varies globally, with 40–50% of Caucasian Australians developing actinic keratoses by the age of 40, and around 10% of Caucasian Europeans are reported to be affected.
Current treatments tend to favour surgical removal for single lesions or topical immunomodulatory agents such as 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod for those that are contiguous or diffuse. Efficacy of these topical regimes is good when adhered to; however, there are often unpleasant adverse effects including contact dermatitis, burning, or irritation and even systemic flu-like symptoms, which, combined with long duration of treatment, lead to poor compliance. Furthermore, there is no official consensus with regard to guidelines of management, and most guidelines currently published lack a strong evidence base.
Symptoms of actinic keratosis
Actinic keratoses start out as thick, scaly, crusty skin patches. These patches are usually about the size of a small pencil eraser. There might be itching or burning in the affected area.
Over time, the lesions can disappear, enlarge, remain the same, or develop into SCC. There’s no way of knowing which lesions may become cancerous. However, you should have your spots examined by a doctor promptly if you notice any of the following changes:
hardening of the lesion
inflammation
rapid enlargement
bleeding
redness
ulceration
Don’t panic if there are cancerous changes. SCC is relatively easy to diagnose and treat in its early stages.
Herbal Remedies for Actinic Keratosis
Some people can ask why to use natural home remedies for their problems. There are a range of natural remedies for Actinic Keratosis that you can safely use yourself, without knowing very much. Natural remedies to help prevent or cure Actinic Keratosis. Natural Remedies for Actinic Keratosis are mentioned ahead so that you can be more naturally without causing any further damage to the body. Herbal Treatment for Actinic Keratosis may be just as effective and no any kind of side effects. Most people find that natural remedies for Actinic Keratosis work extremely well for them.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, the magic cure-all. This all-star vinegar cures many ailments, especially of this skin. There is currently no published research to confirm its effects on Actinic Keratosis but it is among the most popular home remedies used by people suffering from the condition.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil has a number of amazing benefits including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions that can help treat a range of skin conditions. Many people have had a great deal of success when using tea tree essential oil on their actinic keratosis. Tea tree oil is a very powerful antimicrobial and should not be taken internally not applied to the skin ‘neat’.
Castor Oil
Castor oil can be used as a potential home remedy to treat actinic keratosis. Not everybody has experienced success with it but it has no adverse side effects and is worth trying.
Castor oil may be able to help soothe burning and inflammation to the lesions and help reduce the spots if you apply it regularly over a period of time.
Honey
Use of Manuka and other honeys in the management of wound healing is well established, and recent literature reveals that honey possesses, in addition to antimicrobial action, complex anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Subsequently, honey is emerging as an efficacious Natural Treatment for Actinic Keratosis of other dermatological conditions.
Prevention
The best way to lower your risk for actinic keratosis and skin cancer is to learn how to protect your skin from sun and ultraviolet light.
Things you can do to lower your exposure to sunlight include:
Wear clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.
Try to avoid being in the sun during midday, when ultraviolet light is most intense.
Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 30. Pick a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB light.
Apply sunscreen before going out into the sun and reapply often -- at least every 2 hours while in the sun.
Use sunscreen year-round, including in the winter.
Avoid sun lamps, tanning beds, and tanning salons.
Other things to know about sun exposure:
Sun exposure is stronger in or near surfaces that reflect light, such as water, sand, concrete, and areas painted white.
Sunlight is more intense at the beginning of the summer.
Skin burns faster at higher altitudes.
Herbal Care Products are offering “KERCICAL” for Actinic keratosis Herbal Treatment, it is an herbal supplement made out of 100% natural ingredients for herbal treatment for Actinic keratosis that are obtained from authentic herb retailers. It has been particularly formulated for patients suffering from Actinic keratosis.
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