What is Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a rough, scaly, crusty, and/or discolored patch that grows on the skin. AKs are caused by long-term exposure to UV radiation.

Also known as solar keratosis, these small lesions/growths typically emerge on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. Some AKs become elevated and rough, taking on a wart-like texture and appearance. They grow very slowly, often taking years to develop, and do not cause any symptoms other than the formation of a small, rough lesion. The lesion is typically red, but may also present as pink, beige, or flesh-colored.

Common areas where AKs may develop:

• face
• scalp
• ears
• lips
• forearms
• back of hands

While AKs themselves do not pose much danger, they may develop into skin cancer if left untreated for a long period of time.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer. It can be dangerous if left untreated. SCCs can cause severe disfiguration, and, in the rare cases when the cancer spreads, SCC can be fatal.

Actinic keratosis emerges as a very slow-growing patch of abnormal skin, typically in areas that are commonly exposed to the sun. The patch may have the following characteristics:

• Rough, scaly, dry, or crusty
• Smaller than 1 inch in diameter
• Slightly raised
• Itchy or slightly burning
• Red, pink, brown, or flesh-colored
• Wart-like texture

• Live in a warm climate or near the equator
• Are 40 years old or older
• Have a weakened immune system due to underlying medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDs, or certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy
• Work outside or undergo frequent sun exposure
• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have pale, lighter colored skin
• Have red hair
• Have blue, green, or grey eyes
• Freckle and burn easily

Actinic keratosis may go away on its own, but often comes back following sun exposure to the damaged area of skin. Depending on your personal and family history, skin tone profile, and overall health, your doctor may suggest monitoring your AK over time. It’s also important to note that if you have actinic keratosis, you should be vigilant about other skin changes, such as the appearance of atypical moles, as they could be a sign of a different skin condition or risk. If you are at high risk for skin cancer or other complications, your doctor may suggest medication, surgical removal, or photodynamic therapy to cure AK.

Medications may include topical creams or gels such as:

• Fluorouracil cream (Carac, Fluoroplex, Efudex)
• Imiquimod cream (Aldara, Zyclara)
• Ingenol mebutate gel (Picato)
• Diclofenac gel (Voltaren, Solaraze)

Photodynamic therapy refers to the topical application of medicine to the affected area that makes the cells sensitive to light. When cells are in a state of heightened light sensitivity, they will be destroyed by exposure to light.

Cryotherapy is a quick and mostly painless process, usually lasting a few minutes, in which a very cold substance such as liquid nitrogen is applied to the growth. The growth will freeze and slough off.

Cutterage refers to the scraping off of damage cells using a device called a curet. Cutterage usually requires a local anesthetic.