The skin is one of the most important organs in the individual’s body due to its outstanding functions. One of its roles is to protect the other organs. As it protects them, the skin is likely to suffer injuries. One common condition is actinic keratosis, a precancerous condition. Since the condition is uncomfortable and exposes people to huge risks, most people with actinic keratosis Santa Barbara seek treatment before the condition worsens. Even though most people seek treatment, the following myths have reduced the number of people seeking treatment.
Only Lighter Skinned People Get Them
Some people have been associating actinic keratosis with light-skinned people. In most instances, the condition results from sun exposure or tanning bed. The situation is also likely to be high among patients older than 40 years and with fair skin. Even though these individuals are at a higher risk, it does not exempt other individuals from suffering. For instance, the condition is also high among people with the weak immune system.
It is Not Cancerous
Some people believe that actinic keratosis is not cancerous. This has been one of the reasons why some people have been avoiding seeking treatment since they think they will not have any other side effects. However, the truth is that actinic keratosis will eventually become cancerous if left untreated for a long time.
Skin Cancer is Not Life-Threatening
Even though some people believe that actinic keratosis will cause skin cancer, they still avoid seeking treatment since they think it is not as life-threatening as most people have been perceiving. The main reason for this belief is the information that skin cancer can be treated if it is detected at the early stages. However, if the cancer is delayed, it could be hard to treat and even cause death. Rather than exposing yourself to the risk of skin cancer, you should seek treatment as early as possible.
The Treatment is Expensive
Before employing any treatment, most people consider the cost they are likely to incur. Since most people view actinic keratosis as a serious condition, they perceive it will be hard to treat, calling for huge costs. However, the truth is people will incur fewer costs than they have believed. In most instances, if the condition is noticed early, the treatment is easy and less expensive. Furthermore, there are instances where the insurance policy covers the treatment.
The Treatment is Painful
Most people fear suffering pain. There have been a series of individuals avoiding this treatment after hearing that the treatment will expose them to huge pain and take a long time before recovering. The truth is that the treatment is not as painful as most people have perceived. Furthermore, although the recovery process may vary from person to person, it is usually short.
Actinic keratosis is one of the common conditions affecting most people. Even though the condition can be easily treated at early stages, most people’s ignorance has worsened, making them have skin cancer. Cancer treatment is expensive and exposes people to huge pain. Rather than following this pattern, you should go for regular checkups and treatment as early as possible.
