ACTINIC KERATOSIS :-
An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on your skin that develops from years of exposure to the sun. It's most commonly found on your face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp or neck.
Also known as solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis enlarges slowly and usually causes no signs or symptoms other than a patch or small spot on your skin. These lesions take years to develop, usually first appearing in older adults.
A small percentage of actinic keratosis lesions can eventually become skin cancer. You can reduce your risk of actinic keratosis by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms of an actinic keratosis include:
Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter
Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin
In some cases, a hard, wart-like surface
Color as varied as pink, red or brown, or flesh-colored
Itching or burning in the affected area
Actinic keratoses are found primarily on areas exposed to the sun, including your face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp and neck.
When to see a doctor
Because it can be difficult to distinguish between noncancerous spots and cancerous ones, it's best to have new skin changes evaluated by a doctor — especially if a spot or lesion persists, grows or bleeds.
CAUSES
Actinic keratosis is caused by frequent or intense exposure to UV rays, from the sun or from tanning beds.
RISK FACTORS
Although anyone can develop actinic keratoses, you may be more likely to develop the condition if you:
Are older than 40
Live in a sunny climate
Have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn
Have pale skin, red or blond hair, and blue or light-colored eyes
Tend to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
Have a personal history of an actinic keratosis or skin cancer
Have a weak immune system as a result of chemotherapy, chronic leukemia, AIDS or organ transplant medications
COMPLICATIONS
If treated early, almost all actinic keratoses can be eliminated before developing into skin cancer. However, if left untreated some of these spots or patches may progress to squamous cell carcinoma — a type of cancer that usually isn't life-threatening if detected and treated early.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or primary care doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred directly to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).
What you can do
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your appointment. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For actinic keratoses, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?
What are my treatment options and the pros and cons for each?
What will the treatments cost? Does medical insurance cover these costs?
What suspicious changes in my skin should I look for?
What kind of follow-up should I expect?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Questions your doctor may ask you include:
When did you first notice the lesions?
Have you noticed multiple lesions?
Have you noticed any changes in the appearance of the lesions?
Is the condition bothersome?
Have you experienced frequent or severe sunburns?
How often are you exposed to sun or UV radiation?
Do you regularly protect your skin from UV radiation?
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor can usually diagnose actinic keratosis simply by looking at it. If there's any doubt, your doctor may do other tests, such as a skin biopsy. During a skin biopsy, your doctor takes a small sample of your skin for analysis in a lab.
An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on your skin that develops from years of exposure to the sun. It's most commonly found on your face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp or neck.
Also known as solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis enlarges slowly and usually causes no signs or symptoms other than a patch or small spot on your skin. These lesions take years to develop, usually first appearing in older adults.
A small percentage of actinic keratosis lesions can eventually become skin cancer. You can reduce your risk of actinic keratosis by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms of an actinic keratosis include:
Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter
Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin
In some cases, a hard, wart-like surface
Color as varied as pink, red or brown, or flesh-colored
Itching or burning in the affected area
Actinic keratoses are found primarily on areas exposed to the sun, including your face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp and neck.
When to see a doctor
Because it can be difficult to distinguish between noncancerous spots and cancerous ones, it's best to have new skin changes evaluated by a doctor — especially if a spot or lesion persists, grows or bleeds.
CAUSES
Actinic keratosis is caused by frequent or intense exposure to UV rays, from the sun or from tanning beds.
RISK FACTORS
Although anyone can develop actinic keratoses, you may be more likely to develop the condition if you:
Are older than 40
Live in a sunny climate
Have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn
Have pale skin, red or blond hair, and blue or light-colored eyes
Tend to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
Have a personal history of an actinic keratosis or skin cancer
Have a weak immune system as a result of chemotherapy, chronic leukemia, AIDS or organ transplant medications
COMPLICATIONS
If treated early, almost all actinic keratoses can be eliminated before developing into skin cancer. However, if left untreated some of these spots or patches may progress to squamous cell carcinoma — a type of cancer that usually isn't life-threatening if detected and treated early.
PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or primary care doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred directly to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).
What you can do
Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your appointment. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. For actinic keratoses, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Are tests needed to confirm the diagnosis?
What are my treatment options and the pros and cons for each?
What will the treatments cost? Does medical insurance cover these costs?
What suspicious changes in my skin should I look for?
What kind of follow-up should I expect?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Questions your doctor may ask you include:
When did you first notice the lesions?
Have you noticed multiple lesions?
Have you noticed any changes in the appearance of the lesions?
Is the condition bothersome?
Have you experienced frequent or severe sunburns?
How often are you exposed to sun or UV radiation?
Do you regularly protect your skin from UV radiation?
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor can usually diagnose actinic keratosis simply by looking at it. If there's any doubt, your doctor may do other tests, such as a skin biopsy. During a skin biopsy, your doctor takes a small sample of your skin for analysis in a lab.
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