or solar keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. This condition is found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck or back of the hands. An actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people above the age of 40. The risk of developing thsi condition can be reduced by minimizing exposure to sun and protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. If left untreated, the risk of of actinic keratoses turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is about 5% to 10%. APA

Pleople with actinic keratoses have symptoms such as rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin, a hard-wartlike surface, color variations, and itching. An actinic keratosis is caused by frequent or intense exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Although anyone can develop actinic keratoses, people who have an incraesed risk of actinic keratoses inclue have red or blond hair and blue or light-colored eyes, a history of a lot of sun exposure, tend to freckle when exposed to sunlight, aged more than 40, and a weakened immune system.

One of the preventive measures for actinic keratoses is limiting the amount if time one is exposed to the sun and especially between 10 am and 2pm. Also applying  a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor before stepping out can also be helpful in preventing this skin disease. Moreover, wearing tightly woven clothing that covers the arms and legs may help prevent expossure to the sun rays and thus prevent the development of this disease. It is also recommended that people wear broad-brimmed hat, which provides more protection than does a baseball cap or golf visor. Looking for changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks is also a preventive measure.