Actinic keratosis (patient information)
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Actinic keratosis |
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Actinic keratosis On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Actinic keratosis is a small, rough, raised area found on skin that has been exposed to the sun over a long period of time.
Over many years, some actinic keratoses may develop into a type of skin cancer.
What are the symptoms of Actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is usually found on the face, scalp, back of the hands, chest, or other sun-exposed areas.
They may be gray, pink, red, or the same color as the skin. Often, they have a white or yellow scale on top.
- They begin as flat and scaly areas
- Later they develop a hard and wart-like or gritty, rough, and "sandpapery" surface -- may develop a horn-like texture
The skin lesion may be easier to feel than to see.
What causes Actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is caused by sun exposure, but it takes many years or decades to develop.
Who is at highest risk?
Risk factors for actinic keratosis include:
- Having fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
- History of kidney or other solid organ transplant (people who take medicines that suppress the immune system)
- Long-term, daily sun exposure (for example, if you work outdoors)
- Multiple, severe sunburns early in life
- Older age
Diagnosis
The health care provider makes the diagnosis based on the appearance of the skin growth. A skin biopsy may be done for larger and thicker actinic keratoses to make sure no cancer is present.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if areas of persistent roughness or scaliness develop in sun-exposed skin.
Treatment options
Because about 5% of actinic keratoses go on to develop into squamous cell skin cancer, have them examined promptly. Follow your health care provider's advice for treatment.
Growths may be removed by:
- Burning (electrical cautery)
- Scraping away the lesion and using electricity to kill any remaining cells (caled curettage and electrodesiccation)
- Cutting the tumor out and using stitches to place the skin back together (called excision)
- Freezing (cryotherapy, which freezes and kills the cells)
When many actinic keratoses are found, treatments that cause irritation and redness over a larger area are used:
- A laser treatment called photodynamic therapy
- Chemical peels
- Creams such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and imiquimod
Where to find medical care for Actinic keratosis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Actinic keratosis
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Actinic keratosis itself is harmless ( benign), but about 5% develop into skin cancer.
Removal of the growth is usually effective.
Possible complications
- Irritation and discomfort of the skin growth
- Scarring from the treatment
- Squamous cell carcinoma
Prevention of Actinic keratosis
Reduce sun exposure and protect your skin from the sun:
- Wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants.
- Try to avoid sun exposure during midday, when ultraviolet light is most intense.
- Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of at least 15. Pick a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB light.
- Apply sunscreen before going out into the sun, and reapply often.
- Use sunscreen year-round, including in the winter.
- Avoid sun lamps, tanning beds, and tanning salons.
Other important sun safety facts to keep in mind:
- Sun exposure is stronger in or near surfaces that reflect light, such as water, sand, concrete, and areas painted white.
- Sun exposure is more intense at the beginning of the summer.
- Skin burns faster at higher altitudes.