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 findings, experts have now declared that we are in the midst of a cancer 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 findings such as these, it becomes more and more evident that it is vital to take care of our 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 usually appears in older people. This is due to the fact that it is very slow to develop. When it does show up on the skin, it presents itself as dry, scaly patches of skin.

Generally, these patches will disappear if you stay out of the sun for prolonged periods of time. But, they always come back. 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.

The first step to treatment is proper diagnosis. 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. Whatever the case may be, you will have to limit your exposure to the sun and use a powerful sunscreen.

Skin Care Products Used to Treat Actinic Keratosis

Another type of treatment that has been used in this type of situation are natural skin care products. 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 may be all you need to avoid the elevated costs of treating skin cancer.