Actinic keratosis symptoms & treatment

Actinic keratosis, sometimes called solar keratosis, is a patch or bump on the skin’s surface, usually on sun-exposed areas of the head, neck, hands and forearms. More than one keratosis is called keratoses. It affects more than 40 million people in the U.S. every year.

Actinic keratosis develops when skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet light from the sun or indoor tanning, and it can be the first sign of skin cancer, also called squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis may appear dry or rough, while the base may be tan, brown, red, pink, white or a combination of these colors. It also may itch or feel tingly or prickly.

Because it can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, it’s important to seek actinic keratosis treatment by a doctor and to continue to have your skin checked regularly in case it returns. If you have dry, rough or scaly areas on your skin, see a dermatologist right away.

Actinic keratosis symptoms

• Rough, dry or scaly skin patch, usually less than one inch wide
• Scaly bumps that look like pimples
• Flat to slightly raised patches or bumps on the top layer of skin
• Discolored, raised spots that look like a rash
• Affected areas that itch, tingle, burn, bleed or crust
• Brown areas on the face that look like age spots

Actinic keratosis treatment and prevention

Actinic keratosis treatment options include:

• Cryotherapy, a procedure that freezes the bumps, causing them to shrink
• Applying prescription chemotherapy (skin cancer) creams at home to the affected areas
• Surgically removing the keratoses through minor surgery, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels or laser procedures

It’s important to have a yearly exam to check for skin changes and signs of skin cancer, or squamous cell carcinoma – even if you’re not at high risk. Our dermatologists offer annual skin cancer checks and recommend that you also perform self-checks for skin cancer at least once a year.

Risk factors related to actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis is caused by frequent and long-term exposure to sun or ultraviolet rays leading to abnormal growth of skin cells. Risk factors that trigger the condition include:

• Age – occurs most commonly among people age 50 and older
• Light-colored skin and blue or green eyes
• Living in a sunny climate
• Use of tanning beds
• History of frequent sunburn

Skin care to prevent actinic keratosis

Here are the best ways to prevent actinic keratosis:

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
• Wear sunscreen whenever you go outdoors.
• Wear a hat and long sleeves as often as possible when you’ll be in the sun more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Avoid tanning beds.