Primary prevention

Avoiding sun exposure (particularly between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and using protective clothing and/or broad-spectrum sun cream not only prevents the development of AKs but also accelerates the rate of remission of existing lesions.[44][45][46][47][48]

A low-fat diet decreased the incidence of AK in one small study.[49]

Patients in high-risk groups should be educated to perform self-examination to detect changes that suggest malignant transformation.[12]

Secondary prevention

Excessive sun exposure should be avoided, particularly between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Patients should wear protective clothing when outdoors.[48]

Patients should apply broad-spectrum sun cream with at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30, 3 or 4 times a day, over sun-exposed areas.[48] Broad-spectrum sun creams must include protection against UVA and UVB with an SPF of 15 or higher, with water-resistance protection labelling for 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Self-examination is recommended.

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