I have red hair and fair skin that does not tan but freckles. When I was a kid sunscreen was not used or as available as it is today. During my childhood I received many sun burns that blistered and pealed. I’ve worked outside most of my adult life and have used sun screens; however, occasionally I still had too much over exposure to the sun. I am paying the price now. Therefore, I encourage the daily use of sunscreen for everyone over the age of six months. There are many types of sun screens available with a range of SPF - or Sun Protection Factor. The biggest mistake made when applying sunscreens is not applying enough of the product. To ensure that you get the full effect of your SPF an ounce of sunscreen should be applied. Sunscreen needs to be applied a half an hour before going out into the sun to give it time to bind with the skin. It should also be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming, toweling off or heavy sweating. I hope you sill take my advise and protect yourself and your loved ones from the damage over exposure to the sun can cause.
I have been diagnosed with Actinic Keratosis (AK), a precancerous condition also known as solar keratosis, a result of prolonged exposure to sunlight. I made several trips to the dermatologist and had quite a few spots removed with liquid nitrogen from my face and arms and then the doctor recommended a treatment of Efudex.
The skin on my forehead and temple area feels similar to a piece of worn out sandpaper. My skin feels sensitive at times and when wearing a hat it irritates the skin on my forehead. Inside and outside of my ears I have 3 or 4 places that feel like small scabs and about 10 on my face with a couple close to the edge of my eyes. I also have Actinic Keratosis spots on my neck and arms. The doctor recommended not treating all areas at once because it will be more then I can stand. That is a little unnerving.
I am not looking forward to the Efudex treatment. The following is a chronicle of my Efudex experience including a picture log of the progression of my treatment. I am starting treatment on my face and ears first.
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