Actinic keratosis

Overview

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a common precancerous condition that appears as rough, scaly patches on the skin. These patches develop as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. While actinic keratosis is not cancerous, it can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, if left untreated.

Symptoms

The symptoms of actinic keratosis include:

• Rough, scaly patches on the skin
• Patchy, pink or red coloration
• Itching or burning sensation in the affected areas
• Patches that may feel tender or sensitive to touch

Causes

Actinic keratosis is primarily caused by cumulative exposure to the sun’s UV rays over the years. Factors that increase the risk of developing actinic keratosis include:

• Frequent sun exposure: Spending significant time outdoors, especially without adequate sun protection, can increase the risk.
• Fair skin: People with fair skin have less melanin, which provides natural protection against UV radiation.
• Advanced age: Actinic keratosis is more common in older individuals due to cumulative sun exposure over time.

Treatment

Treatment options for actinic keratosis include:

• Cryotherapy: The affected areas are frozen using liquid nitrogen, causing the abnormal skin cells to blister and eventually fall off.
• Topical medications: Prescription creams or gels containing imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil can help eliminate actinic keratosis lesions.
• Curettage and desiccation: The lesions are scraped off using a specialized instrument (curette), followed by cauterization to control bleeding.
• Photodynamic therapy: A combination of a light-sensitizing agent and light therapy is used to destroy actinic keratosis cells.

Self-care

In addition to medical treatments, self-care measures can help manage actinic keratosis:

• Sun protection: Minimize sun exposure, especially during peak hours, and use protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Regular skin checks: Monitor your skin for any changes or new lesions and promptly report them to a dermatologist.
• Avoid tanning beds: Artificial tanning beds also emit UV radiation and can contribute to the development of actinic keratosis.

If you suspect you have actinic keratosis or notice any suspicious skin changes, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.