Actinic keratoses are precancerous growths on the skin caused by
excessive or frequent sun exposure. These lesions appear as rough, dry
patches or growths on the skin and can eventually progress to skin
cancer if not treated.
Actinic keratoses typically develop over time and are therefore most
common in people over the age of 40. However, younger adults and
teenagers may be at risk, especially those who deliberately expose
their skin to the sun for prolonged periods or use tanning beds.
Factors that can increase your risk of developing actinic keratoses
include:
• Having fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
• Long-term daily sun exposure (such as people who work
outdoors)
• Multiple, severe sunburns early in life
Signs of actinic keratoses include rough, scaly patches on the skin.
They are usually limited to one area of the skin and appear on
sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, back of the hands, or
chest. They may be gray, pink, red, or the same color as the skin. It
may be easier to feel them than to see them.
Any rough patches should be examined by a dermatologist to prevent
precancerous growths from going untreated.
Although actinic keratosis itself is harmless, it may grow into skin
cancer if left untreated. Removing the growth is usually effective in
preventing skin cancer. Actinic keratoses may be removed by the same
types of procedures that are used to treat skin cancer, including
cutting away the lesion, using electricity to kill the cancerous
cells, or freezing them. They may also be treated with photodynamic
therapy, a process that uses a combination of a drug, known as a
photosensitizer, and a specific type of light. When photosensitizers
are activated by a specific wavelength of light, they produce a type
of oxygen that kills the nearby cells.
Topical creams containing 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod may be
prescribed to people who have multiple lesions. Chemical peels, laser
resurfacing, or other skin procedures may sometimes be used in actinic
keratosis treatment.
To reduce your risk of actinic keratoses and skin cancer, wear
protective clothing outdoors, limit your sun exposure, and try to
avoid the sun during mid-day, when ultraviolet light is strongest. Use
high-quality sunscreen year-round, and avoid tanning beds.