Actinic keratosis is the formation of brown, rough, scaly spots on the face and hand. It occurs especially in sunny countries and people with light skin. Numerous cases of actinic keratosis are seen in our country. It can also occur at a young age in the event of too much exposure to the sun. Actinic keratoses can develop into a malignant skin cancer over time

In this disease, skin cells begin to proliferate abnormally, scaly (scaly), rough papules (pimple-like), plaque-like, clear borders, colorless or slightly pink spots are seen. Sensitivity, itching and burning sensation may be present.

It is a must to treat actinic keratoses and control photoaging with the use of appropriate sunscreen products.

In the prevention and treatment of disease, it is recommended to minimize sun exposure (sun protective hat, clothing, sunscreen use). The first step in treatment is to inform patients about the importance of this issue. In addition, in order to prevent the development of the disease extending the use of sunscreen from an early age is of great importance. UV rays damage the DNA of skin cells and by reducing the immune response in the skin, they disable the repair mechanism. Cells with DNA damage continue to proliferate at this stage, resulting in a clinically rough surface on the skin.

Oxidative stress is the most important factor that induces the transformation of actinic keratosis into skin cancer caused by the triggering of UV rays. UV rays cause oxidative stress by increasing the level of free oxygen radicals in the skin and trigger the transformation process of actinic keratosis into skin cancer.

Actinic keratosis patients are recommended to use a sunscreen suitable for their sensitive skin all year round.