Spending time in the sun certainly can be enjoyable, but overexposure to sunlight can be damaging to your skin. Over time, sun damage can lead to actinic keratoses (AKs), pre-cancerous skin lesions. Fortunately, if detected early, AKs can be treated before they may develop into skin cancer.

AKs affect more than 10 million Americans. In sunny climates, their prevalence may be significantly higher. The lesions typically occur on the face, scalp, arms, or back of hands. They begin under the skin's surface and then emerge as rough or scaly areas that may feel like sandpaper to the touch.

In 2002, two-time PGA Tour champion Steve Flesch was diagnosed with AKs during a routine skin examination with his dermatologist. Flesch has now teamed up with Dermik Laboratories for the Tee Off Against AKs campaign to help raise awareness about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure.

"Like most golfers, I was more focused on my swing than my skin," Flesch said. "Given the amount of time I spend outdoors, I was fortunate that my AKs were detected and treated before they led to skin cancer. My doctor prescribed a topical treatment called Carac (fluorouracil cream) Cream, 0.5%, which worked for me."

Now, Flesch takes the proper steps to protect his skin from the dangers of prolonged sun exposure. He applies sunscreen, wears a hat and visits his dermatologist regularly.

As part of the campaign, Flesch will appear at several PGA Tour stops in 2005 to share his story and to help raise awareness about the need for proper skin protection. He will join board-certified dermatologists as they conduct free skin cancer screenings and provide sun protection tips to event participants and spectators.

Dermik Laboratories also will make a donation to The Skin Cancer Foundation based on Flesch's performance in the PGA Tour. The money will be used to benefit the foundation's skin cancer prevention and patient education initiatives.