Actinic keratosis can appear as rough, scaly, or crusty patches on sun-exposed skin and may sometimes feel tender. At Waterside Dermatology, our doctors evaluate these precancerous lesions and help you address concerning changes early while protecting your skin health.
Treat Precancerous
Changes Early
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, most often from the sun. It commonly develops on frequently exposed areas and may feel rough, scaly, or crusty. Because some actinic keratoses can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, treatment may be recommended. Depending on your skin and the lesions present, your doctor can determine an appropriate treatment approach.
Signs & Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis:
- Rough, dry, or scaly patches of skin
- Crusty or flaky areas
- Flat or slightly raised spots
- Sandpaper-like texture
- Tenderness or sensitivity
- Itching, burning, or stinging
- Persistent spots on sun-exposed skin
- Thickened or wart-like growths
- Lesions that repeatedly crust or return
- Red, pink, tan, brown, or skin-colored lesions
What Causes Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis develops when repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin cells over time. Sunlight is the primary source, so these lesions commonly form on areas of the body that receive frequent UV exposure. The damage is cumulative, meaning your risk can increase after years spent outdoors, even if you did not notice visible skin changes earlier.
Factors that may increase your likelihood of developing actinic keratosis include:
- Years of frequent or intense sun exposure
- Regular use of tanning beds or sunlamps
- Fair or sun-sensitive skin
- A history of frequent sunburns
- Older age and accumulated UV exposure
- Living or working in a sunny climate
- Spending significant time outdoors
- A weakened immune system
- A personal history of actinic keratoses or skin cancer
Treatment for Actinic Keratosis
Your visit begins with a careful evaluation of your skin. Your doctor will examine the area, ask about changes you’ve noticed, and consider factors like your sun exposure and skin cancer history. Because actinic keratosis can sometimes resemble other skin conditions, confirming what you’re dealing with is an important first step.
Actinic keratosis treatment is tailored to the number, size, and location of your lesions, as well as the surrounding sun damage. Treatment options for AK may include cryosurgery to freeze individual lesions, topical medications for affected areas, or other dermatologist-directed therapies. Your doctor will explain the recommended approach and what to expect, with the ultimate goal of treating precancerous changes while supporting your long-term skin health.
FAQs
Do I Need to Treat Every Actinic Keratosis?
Because it is difficult to predict which actinic keratoses may eventually develop into squamous cell carcinoma, your doctor may recommend treating suspicious lesions. Your treatment plan will depend on what your doctor finds during your skin evaluation and your individual risk factors.
Can I Have More Than One Actinic Keratosis?
Yes. You can develop multiple lesions, particularly on areas that have received significant sun exposure over the years. Your doctor will evaluate both individual spots and the surrounding skin to determine the most appropriate approach to care.
Where Can Actinic Keratosis Develop on My Body?
You’ll most often notice actinic keratoses on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as your face, scalp, ears, neck, forearms, and backs of the hands. However, they can occur on other sun-exposed areas as well.
Is Actinic Keratosis Skin Cancer?
No. Actinic keratosis is a precancerous lesion rather than skin cancer itself. However, some lesions can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. That potential makes proper evaluation, treatment when appropriate, and continued attention to your skin important.
Give Suspicious Spots a Closer Look
If you’ve noticed a rough, scaly, or persistent spot, having it checked can give you clarity and help you address precancerous changes early. Call Waterside Dermatology in Bradenton, FL, today to schedule a consultation for actinic keratosis treatment.
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