Introduction
Are you also seeking natural remedies for actinic keratosis treatment at home? Solar keratosis or actinic keratosis (AK), the precursor to skin cancer, is a common skin problem caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. This is shown by scaly, thickened patches of the skin or in advanced stages can develop to become skin cancer if left without medical intervention. Actinic keratosis has a specific clinical presentation, of rough, scaly patches caused by years of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Despite the availability of cryotherapy, chemical peels, and topical medicines as treatments, many people often turn to natural remedies to solve their problems while facilitating their recovery. In this overall guide, we will study the different natural remedies for actinic keratosis that can be useful in giving relief and reducing the risks of progressing disease.
What is Actinic Keratosis?
Before we start discussing natural remedies for actinic keratosis, let’s make sure we understand what actinic keratosis is and its deeper underlying causes. AK is caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation either from the sun or any tanning beds. Fairer skin is more vulnerable and often it is the facial region, scalp, ears, arms, and hands, that are commonly afflicted.
Actinic keratosis is displayed as rough, scaly patches on the skin, typically located on the sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, area behind ears, arms, and hands. Such lesions generally tend to be presented as small raised bumps that may be red or brown with quite a bumpy texture on your skin. The keratosis is usually harmless, but if it is left untreated, the cancer might occur. Therefore, the early detection and treatment of such skin changes is very important.
Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis
Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis include;
- Rough, scaly patches
- Itching or burning sensation
- Redness or inflammation
- Ak occasionally can develop a crust or bleed
On the other hand, actinic keratosis does not transform into cancer it is. Instead, it is a warning sign for squamous cell carcinoma which is a type of skin cancer. This is the reason early detection and treatment are as important as not to have complications occur.
Natural Remedies for Actinic Keratosis
Some of the remedies to treat actinic keratosis at home are as follows;
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Will apple cider vinegar remove keratosis? Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is used for homemade remedies for its bactericidal and fungicidal activities. As one of the home remedies, ACV could be used in a 50% diluted form. Natural remedies for actinic keratosis suggestions include soaking a cotton ball in the solution and applying it several times a day to the affected areas. Exfoliation of the skin together with reduced inflammation can finally result in the actinic keratosis lessening.
Mix ACV and water in equal parts in a bowl and swab the problematic zones with a cotton ball. Give it a few moments of soaking and then rinse it off using the water at room temperature.
Aloe Vera
Is aloe vera gel good for actinic keratosis? Fabulous with the relaxing function, aloe vera jelly can give you an ease from the inconvenience of AK. Place the cool aloe vera gel directly on the affected areas of the skin, to help with hydration and restorations.
Slice open an aloe vera leaf and get all the gel, now apply the gel to the affected areas liberally. Repeat this procedure several times a day to soften up the skin and provide additional help to the healing process and is one of the natural remedies for actinic keratosis.
Green Tea Extract
Polyphenols, found in green tea and turn possess anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, are another major constituent in green tea that counteracts many health issues. Natural remedies for actinic keratosis suggest daily drinking or applying green tea extract on the affected area can be anti-inflammatory without the progression of actinic keratosis lesions and relief of the symptoms might be observable. The possibility of green tea to protect the skin from further sun damage may probably happen.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has fatty acids which give the skin the boosting hydration and nourishment. Applying coconut oil on actinic keratosis plaques may soothe the uncomfortable and flare sensation. Besides, including coconut oil which has minor sun-protecting capacities makes you stay protected against all the harmful UV rays. Moreover, it has a slightly fruity aroma, which will make your skin become a nice-scented center. The best results are when you have coconut oil on the affected area after bathing and massaging it gently into the skin while it is fully absorbed.
Dietary Adjustments
What foods help actinic keratosis? Diet plays an important role in the formation of new skin cells and the prevention of different skin conditions. Natural remedies for actinic keratosis also include dietary changes which are as follows;
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
It is found abundantly in fatty fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts. These Omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory grasp on the skin and can boost health conditions. The omega-3 fats contained in fish oil share anti-inflammatory properties that can then be of help to someone with an acute kidney. Incorporating fish-based food sources that are rich in omega-3 into your diet or supplementing with fish oil including flaxseeds, and walnuts may help improve your skin condition and reduce the actinic keratosis symptoms.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
To protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV radiation, supplement your diet with fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants, for instance, blueberries, spinach, and kale.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the principal constituent of this spice, having the property of inhibiting inflammation and oxidative damage can help manage actinic keratosis. Incorporating turmeric supplements into the diet by taking them or applying a paste made from turmeric powder and water can help minimize inflammation as well as promote the healing of the skin and can be used as one of the natural remedies for actinic keratosis.
Mix the turmeric powder with water to make a paste that can be used to actinic keratosis lesions for lessening the redness and inflammation. Leave the mixture for 15-20 mins on your face and wash it off with water afterward.
Oatmeal Baths
Being a soothing food, oatmeal may help you relieve itchiness and irritation related to the eczema. Regular oatmeal baths or the application of oatmeal-based skin products can help to give relief and also promote the skin-healing process.
Supplements
What supplements are good for actinic keratosis? Following supplements should be included in the diet as one of the natural remedies for actinic keratosis.
Vitamin D
Actinic keratosis may be more severe with excessive sun exposure but enhanced amounts of vitamin D through supplements may lead to better skin condition.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is famous thanks to its antioxidant properties and for this reason, might help skin care from exposure.
Selenium
This mineral takes part in the antioxidant defense mechanisms and may, in consequence, help to lower the level of actinic keratosis appearance.
Herbal Remedies
Gotu Kola
Natural remedies for actinic keratosis involve the use of gotu kola. While it is been used in the Indian traditional herbal medicine form of Ayurveda, it is under scientific study to find a probable role in wound and skin healing.
Milk Thistle
Thanks to its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, milk thistle may have overall physiological benefits.
Vitamin D
Vitamins are also included in natural remedies for actinic keratosis treatment. While getting excess sun rays can help in AK development, it’s also vital that there are enough vitamin D in your body for healthy skin. Assure that your vitamin D intake is enough by being adequately exposed to sunlight without getting a sunburn, consuming dietary sources such as fatty fish and fortified foods, or taking vitamin D supplements.
Essential Oils
For instance, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and oils of frankincense have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial anti-bacterial properties that may help individuals with actinic keratosis. Mix the essential oil of your choice with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, and apply to the aching parts for effective results.
Avoidance of Sun Exposure
Prevention is what primary is all about natural remedies for actinic keratosis. Cover up the sun during the peak period (10 am to 4 pm), use protective clothes, and apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor regularly.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Living healthily and seeing your skin getting healthier as well as the AK recurrence risk reduced. Ensure hydration, consume balanced meal compounds of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and do not smoke alcohol in moderation.
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Conclusion
Scaly patches or Actinic keratosis skin condition is not a rare one, thus regular monitoring is highly recommended to prevent more severe problems or use natural remedies for actinic keratosis. Whilst authentic medications are at hand, natural remedies can be used alongside the accepted therapeutic methods, and, thus, speed up the skin repairing. Simply combine the natural treatments you are currently employing in your skincare routine with precautionary measures regarding sun exposure to get a manageable skin condition that will help you maintain that healthy and radiant look for a long time.
Keep in mind the fact that you should consult with your doctor before trying out any new treatment or natural remedies for actinic keratosis. Further, you should not try it if you are healthy pregnant, or breastfeeding. Hence, basal cell carcinomas are treatable if it is diagnosed early. In such instances, doctors will most likely remove the BCCs using one of the following methods; excision (surgical removal of the affected area), curettage and electrodesiccation (scraping and burning of the cancerous tissues), or cryosurgery (freezing off of the affected area).
