For some, recurrent AKs are a fact of life. In most cases, the risk factors that predispose one to developing AKs are the same risk factors that put one at higher risk for recurrent AKs:

• Pale white to white skin that tends to burn rather than tan—a skin type likely to be found in people with blue eyes and red or blond hair
• Childhood freckling, or a tendency to easily freckle in response to sun exposure
• Chronic exposure to intense sunlight in childhood
• Long-time or lifetime residence in a climate with many days of high-intensity sunlight
• Long-time participation in an outdoor occupation or recreation such as ranching, farming, construction work, gardening, golfing, fishing or hiking
• Age (40+), although it is increasingly common to find AKs developing in teenagers and young adults in hot, sunny climates

Recurrent AKs require rigorous preventive measures and early treatment. The basics of AK prevention are:

• Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight. Stay out of direct sun exposure during peak (10a.m.—4p.m.) sunlight hours.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, even on cloudy days.
• Reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours. When outdoors and even on cloudy days, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
• Wear protective clothing. When outdoors during daylight, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses that block 100% of the UV rays and tightly knit clothing that covers arms and legs.

• Examine your skin. Learn how to recognize AKs and regularly examine your skin for signs of developing AKs. An illustrated guide that shows how to self examine your skin is found at Self Examination for Melanoma. While this guide focuses on melanoma and how to examine moles, this same process can be used to identify other changes to the skin.
• Keep appointments with your dermatologist. If you have recurring AKs, your dermatologist will want to examine you regularly. Be sure to keep these appointments.

More Information
Actinic Keratoses: Preventing Recurrence
Explains why preventing recurrence is so important and what helps prevent recurrence.

What Do AKs Look Like?
Photographs show the different forms that AKs may take.