What Is Actinic Keratosis and When Should It Be Treated?

What Is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a growth caused by cumulative ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin over time. UV exposure from sunlight or tanning beds damages skin cells, leading to abnormal growth patterns. It commonly develops in:

• Adults over age 40
• Individuals with fair skin
• People with a history of significant sun exposure
• Those who work or spend time outdoors

What Does Actinic Keratosis Look and Feel Like?

Actinic keratoses vary in appearance and texture. Common features include:

• Rough, sandpaper-like patches
• Red, pink, tan, or skin-colored areas
• Scaly or crusted surface
• Mild itching, burning, or tenderness

Where Do Actinic Keratoses Commonly Occur?

Actinic keratosis typically appear on sun-exposed areas, including:

• Face and lips
• Scalp (especially in areas of hair thinning)
• Ears
• Neck
• Forearms
• Hands

Is Actinic Keratosis Skin Cancer?

Actinic keratosis is not skin cancer, but it is considered a precancerous lesion. A small percentage of actinic keratosis may progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common type of skin cancer. It is not possible to predict which actinic keratosis’s will progress; therefore, evaluation and monitoring are important.

When Should Actinic Keratosis Be Treated?

In general, most actinic keratoses should be treated, especially when they:

• Persist over time
• Become thicker or tender
• Bleed or ulcerate
• Increase in number

Early treatment helps reduce the risk of progression and may improve overall skin health.

Can Actinic Keratosis Be Prevented?

While not all actinic keratoses can be prevented, risk may be reduced by:

• Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
• Wearing protective clothing and hats
• Avoiding tanning beds
• Scheduling regular skin exams