I have been diagnosed with actinic keratosis. Is there anything I can do to treat this condition naturally?

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterised by rough, scaly patches on the skin of your face, lips, and ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp or neck. This condition can be caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Many doctors consider actinic keratosis to be pre-cancerous because it can develop into skin cancer.

Actinic keratoses grows slowly and usually causes no signs or symptoms other than patches or small spots on your skin. If left untreated, about two - five per cent of actinic keratoses can develop into a serious form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Your doctor will discuss the different options available for dealing with this condition. Some mainstream medical options are non invasive with no, or very few, side effects. It is vital that you get treated as soon as possible. Do not try natural creams and herbs without your doctor's advice.

This condition can take years to develop. It is more likely to develop if you have a compromised immune system. Introduce an immune boosting diet, reduce fats, and eliminate alcohol, processed grains and caffeine. Contact a dietician and a naturopath for an immune boosting diet plan that will help to strengthen your body's ability to fight off the condition and help prevent the condition from getting any worse. Avoid strong sunlight. Wear sunscreen whenever exposed to the sun (even in mild temperatures) and cover your skin as much as possible.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. If you would like a question covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.

Dr H Bhatti is the President of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and can be contacted at his clinics at Kiltartan House, Forster Street, Galway on 091-568804 or at The Village Nursing Care Centre, Ballygarriff, Craughwell on 091-777700.

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