Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition that develops on sun-damaged skin.
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches that can be pink, red, or skin-colored. They are most common on the face, ears, scalp, neck, and back of the hands and are usually are caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Actinic keratoses are not usually painful, but they can be itchy and irritating. They can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
There are a number of things that people can do to help prevent actinic keratoses, including:
- Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days
- Wearing protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses, when outdoors
- Avoiding salon tanning beds
Treatment of actinic keratoses include:
- Topical (creams/gels) medications
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen
- Surgical removal of actinic keratoses
The type of treatment that is best for you will depend on the number and size of your actinic keratoses.
If you have any concerns about actinic keratoses, it is important to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can diagnose actinic keratoses and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
