Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth usually caused
by sun exposure.
Causes of Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis occurs most commonly in fair skin, especially
in the elderly and in young individuals with light complexions. The growths occur in
sun-exposed skin areas. The growths begin as flat scaly areas that later develop a hard
wart-like surface.
They are classified as precancerous growths. If left untreated, approximately 10% of
actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms of
Actinic keratosis
- Rough and dry textured skin lesion
- A macule, patch, or growth on the skin
- Limited to a discrete area (localized)
- Located on the face, scalp, back of the hands, chest or other sun-exposed areas
- Color gray, pink, red (erythematous), or the same color as the skin
- Surface is initially flat and scaly, then becomes slightly raised
- Surface texture becomes hard and wart-like or gritty, rough, and "sandpapery";
may develop a horn-like texture from overgrowth of skin keratin layer (hyperkeratosis)
Note: The skin lesion may be easier to feel than to see.
Diagnosis of of Actinic keratosis
The health care provider bases the diagnosis on the appearance
of the skin growth. A skin biopsy could
reveal signs of cancerous changes, if present.
Treatment of of
Actinic keratosis
Because actinic keratoses represent precancerous changes, have
them examined promptly, and follow the health care provider's advice for treatment.
Growths may be removed by cryotherapy (freezing), electrical
cautery (burning), or surgery. Growths may also be treated with topical medications that
cause peeling or skin removal.
Prognosis of Actinic keratosis
By itself, actinic keratosis is benign,
but it may develop into skin cancer. Removal of the
growth is usually effective.
Complications of Actinic keratosis
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if areas
of persistent roughness or scaliness develop in sun-exposed skin.
Prevention of Actinic keratosis
Minimize sun exposure and protect skin from the sun. Wear
protective clothing such as hats, long sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants. Ultraviolet
light is most intense midday, so try to avoid exposure during these hours.
Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at
least 15. Pick a sunscreen that blocks both UBA and UVB light. Apply sunscreen at least
half an hour before exposure, and reapply frequently.
Use sunscreen for winter exposure also. |