Since right after World War II, people have had a love affair with the sun. Affluence and more free time meant a change in habits that included sunbathing and relaxing. However, those habits are now taking a toll on the health of many baby boomers.

A recent dermatological study that was published in the March issue of the Archives of Dermatology stated that nonmelanoma skin cancers have doubled in less than 20 years. For the most part, this study comprehends keratinocyte carcinomas such as basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas. The study was done with data gathered from 2 Medicare databases and national surveys. The results showed that the majority of people being treated for this conditions were older adults, however, several cases of younger adults and even teenagers were also found among the data.

It was then discovered that the main cause of these cancers was the excess exposure to UV radiation, be it from direct sunlight or tanning beds. As a matter of fact, being exposed to UV radiation can lead to various skin problems that include premature aging and precancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis. If at any moment you notice you've developed actinic keratosis then treat it immediately. This type of skin condition can lead to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

To get a better understanding we need to take a closer look at actinic keratosis treatment and actinic keratosis prevention as a way of avoiding the development of skin cancer.

First of all, prevention is very simple: stay out of the sun. This doesn't seem like the most practical solution, which is why it is highly recommended that you use a good sunscreen lotion. Another protective measure is the use of long sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hats that cover a larger area of skin.

Secondly, if for any reason you suspect that you may have developed actinic keratosis, consult with your doctor. In case you're doubtful, actinic keratosis presents itself as dry, scaly patches about 1 inch in diameter. Unfortunately, many people suspect that they just have dry skin and do not seek professional help.

Actinic keratosis is a recurring problem. If you stay out of the sun long enough, these patches will go away. However, they will return once you start exposing your skin to the sun again.

Skin biopsies are a must to determine how advanced your actinic keratosis is. Anyone being treated for keratosis lesions will be asked to reduce their exposure to the sun. Some people will also require a microdermabrasion treatment or topical chemotherapy drugs to help treat their condition.

Additionally, you can use natural skin care products to help soothe the affected area. Biological skin creams made with snail serum will genuinely help boost the rate at which your skin heals. When used in conjunction with dermatological treatments, these types of skin care products can restore the health of your skin.

Preventing the actinic keratosis from escalating into skin cancer is very simple, but you need to act fast. Remember, prevention cannot only help avoid more serious complications, but it can also help you avoid the high cost of skin cancer treatment.