Many people will recognise marks on the backs of hands or on a balding head as a natural sign of aging, or too many summers wearing not enough sun cream while doing a spot of gardening, but scientists are warning that people need to be more aware of skin conditions which, if left untreated, could develop into something far worse.
What is a Solar Keratosis?
According to Patient, solar keratosis is a "small, thickened, scaly growth (or lump) on the skin which is caused by a lot of exposure to sun over the years." The patches are usually completely harmless, but treatment is advised as there is a risk of the lumps eventually turning into skin cancer.
But few people are aware of solar keratosis and the risks associated with them. Research carried out by research group and marketing company Signature to mark "Skin Health Week", suggests a distinct lack of knowledge about how serious the subtle marks can potentially be.
Lack of Knowledge About Keratosis
Over a third of people over the age of 50 questioned said they knew someone who’d damaged their skin in the sun, and just over half admitted they’d damaged their own skin in the sun either in the UK or abroad. Yet a worryingly small number of people said they knew that scaly red patches on the skin could be solar keratosis, which could develop into cancer (just 15%). And the majority of people (84% had no idea what solar keratosis was.)
Protection From the Sun Helps Prevent Skin Cancer
During the past decades, awareness of skin cancer and the need for people to protect themselves from ultraviolet radiation has increased. However, in the Skin Health Week survey, around half of the people questioned admitted being "sun-worshippers," and more than half of over 50s said they do not protect their skin from the sun in their everyday lives. Doctors predict that health problems caused by overexposure to the sun will continue to grow over the coming years.
Sparkpeople.com had these tips for protecting skin from UV damage:
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure in order for the ingredients to fully protect the skin.
- Apply enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass (about one ounce) in order to thoroughly cover all exposed skin. During a long day outdoors, one person should use about one half of a full eight-ounce bottle of sunscreen.
- Reapply sunscreen every one to two hours, after swimming, and after heavy sweating—even if labeled "waterproof."
Increasing Awareness Of Solar Keratosis
In people who have between seven and eight solar keratoses on their skin, there is about a 10% chance of one turning into a less serious form of skin cancer over a 10-year period. This type of cancer is slow growing and can usually be easily cured if treated early. The message for anyone with concerns is to see a doctor early, and to be safe rather than sorry.
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