Home > Medical Articles > Topics beginning with S > Solar Keratosis - Actinic Keratosis > Prevention & Expectations
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Medical Web Links
MOL Site Map
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Solar Keratosis - Actinic Keratosis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
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.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Between 10% and 20% of actinic keratosis lesions will become skin cancer over time. The lesions may also be painful or cosmetically embarrassing.
What are the risks to others?
Actinic keratosis is not contagious and poses no risk to others.