Actinic keratosis can be prevented by using skin cancer prevention techniques. A person should limit time in the sun, especially during the middle of the day. Regular use of sunscreen outdoors helps prevent actinic keratosis. Protective clothing, such as a hat and long sleeves, will also help. Tanning parlors and artificial tanning machines should be avoided.
Between 10% and 20% of actinic keratosis lesions will become skin cancer over time. The lesions may also be painful or cosmetically embarrassing.
Actinic keratosis is not contagious and poses no risk to others.