Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) also called solar keratosis is a skin condition where there is a rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by too much sun exposure over the years. It usually appears on areas that get a lot of exposure to sunlight, like the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or hands.
These patches sometimes look like warts. It develops slowly, mostly in people over 40. You can lower your risk by protecting your skin from the sun.
If left untreated, there is a 5% to 10% chance that actinic keratosis may turn into skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).
Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis
New patches or bumps on sun-exposed areas likeActinic keratosis can look different from person to person. Symptoms may include:
A rough, dry, or scaly patch of skin (usually smaller than 2.5 cm).
A slightly raised bump or flat patch.
A hard, wart-like surface in some cases.
Color changes- may appear pink, red, or brown.
Itching, burning, bleeding, or crusting.
the face, neck, hands, and arms.
When to See a Doctor
It can be hard to tell the difference between harmless spots and dangerous ones. If a patch does not go away, gets bigger, or starts bleeding, see a doctor for a skin check.
Causes of Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis happens due to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds.
Risk Factors for Actinic Keratosis
Anyone can get actinic keratosis, but some people have a higher risk, including those who:
Have fair skin, red or blond hair, and blue or light-colored eyes.
Live in a sunny climate.
Have spent a lot of time in the sun or have had many sunburns.
Work outdoors.
Tend to freckle or burn easily in the sun.
Are over 40 years old.
Have a weakened immune system.
Complications of Actinic Keratosis
If found early, actinic keratosis can be treated or removed. If ignored, some spots might turn into skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).
How to prevent Actinic KeratosisÂ
You can prevent actinic keratosis by protecting your skin from the sun:
Limit sun exposure – Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Use sunscreen – Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen is not recommended in babies below 6 months.
Cover up – Wear long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for extra protection.
Check your skin regularly – Look for new skin changes or changes in existing spots, moles, or patches and tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Avoid tanning beds – They damage your skin just like the sun.
Diagnosis of Actinic KeratosisÂ
A doctor can usually identify actinic keratosis by looking at your skin. If unsure, they may do a skin biopsy, taking a small sample of skin to examine in a lab.
Even after treatment, regular skin checkups (at least once a year) are recommended to catch any new changes early.
Treatment of Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis sometimes goes away on its own, but it may return with more sun exposure. Since some patches can turn into cancer, doctors usually remove them just to be safe.
Medication
If you have many actinic keratoses, your doctor may prescribe a medicated cream or gel to remove them. These can cause redness, peeling, or a burning feeling for a few weeks. Medicated gels usually used are fluorouracil, imiquimod or diclofenac
Surgical procedures for Actinic Keratosis
Doctors can remove actinic keratosis using different methods:
Freezing (Cryotherapy) – The doctor freezes the patch with liquid nitrogen. This makes the skin blister or peel, allowing new skin to grow. Quick and common, but may cause blisters, scars, or skin color changes.
Scraping (Curettage) – The doctor scrapes off the damaged skin and may use electrosurgery to destroy leftover cells. This requires numbing the skin and may cause scarring or infection.
Laser therapy – A laser is used to remove the affected skin. It may cause scarring or skin color changes.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) – The doctor applies a light-sensitive chemical to the skin and then shines a special light to destroy the damaged cells. It may cause swelling, redness, and burning during treatment.
By protecting your skin and treating actinic keratosis early, you can lower your risk of skin cancer and keep your skin healthy.
