As South Africans continue to enjoy hot summer days often spent under the sun and outdoors, there’s no better time than now to discuss skin health, and the damage that skin endures when exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
“We are all aware by now of the importance of wearing a good SPF every day to protect the skin from harmful environmental effects, but not enough discussion takes place around Actinic Keratosis and the dangers it poses for many people,” says Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals.
Actinic Keratosis (AKs), also referred to as Solar Keratosis, is a fairly common skin condition among people who live in hot, sunny regions like South Africa. AKs are caused by sun exposure as well as UV radiation that occurs in tanning beds.
It presents as dry, scaly patches of skin on areas of the body typically exposed to the sun, and can appear as bumps on the arms and hands. They can feel itchy and even sore, ranging up to several centimetres in size. AKs be unsightly and cause embarrassment and discomfort for a person who develops them.
AKs tend to affect people over the age of 40, men more than women, as well as people with lighter skin complexions. Those with conditions that cause the skin to become more sensitive to sun’s UV rays (albinism for instance) are also at a higher risk of developing AK’s.
“The presence of these lesions raises a person’s lifetime risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer, and having one typically means that there are probably more lesions that have developed on the body. As such, a person with AKs would have an elevated risk of developing squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs),” adds Wagemaker.
SCCs are a common type of skin cancer. Left untreated, an SCC can become invasive, spreading through the body and becoming life threatening. It’s for this reason that those who have developed AKs are encouraged to seek treatment without delay to be on the safe side.
Keeping Actinic Keratosis at bay
Preventative measures include avoiding exposure to midday sun, sun tanning and tanning beds, applying sun screen every day (even on cloudy days), and wearing sun-safe clothing. Taking a health supplement to promote, enhance and maintain skin health can also help reduce the risk of developing pre-cancerous skin lesions.
The Nia-Sol Kit consists of three items: Nia-Sol lotion, Nia-Sol capsule supplement, and Nia-Sol gel. Each of the items in the kit are designed to improve the appearance of red, flaky, and rough patches on sun-exposed skin. The topical lotion which is used in conjunction with Nia Sol capsule supplementation and contains nicotinamide and photolyase, which help improve the appearance and recurrence of AKs.
The Nia-Sol gel is applied directly to the affected areas twice daily, in combination with Nia-Sol capsules, this has been proven to significantly improve the condition of the skin over a three-month period.
When taken at the recommended dose, Nia-Sol provides 500mg of nicotinamide, 10mg French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, and 100UI of vitamin D3 per day.
There is also hope for those with AK lesions. A dermatologist can help unpack the many treatment options available, such as cryotherapy and topical creams, to remove and destroy lesions with limited to no scarring taking place. Consult a medical professional to find a treatment plan that best suits you.
To find out more about the Nia-Sol oral supplement, specifically formulated to improve the appearance of red, flaky, rough patches on sun-exposed skin, visit www.niasol.co.za You can now get a 10% discount if you purchase directly through our website. This offer is valid until March 2024.