Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin condition that causes rough, scaly patches or bumps on the skin due to sun exposure. It can sometimes progress to skin cancer if left untreated.
A common cause of actinic keratosis is sun exposure. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the DNA of skin cells, causing them to grow abnormally.
Actinic keratosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Age: Older people have more sun exposure than younger people.
Skin type: Fair-skinned people are more prone to sun damage than dark-skinned people.
Sun exposure: People who live in sunny climates, work outdoors, or spend a lot of time in the sun without protection are more likely to develop actinic keratosis.
Sunburns: People who have had frequent or severe sunburns are more likely to develop actinic keratosis.
Tanning beds: People who use tanning beds or lamps are exposed to artificial UV rays that can also damage the skin.
Immune system: People who have a weak immune system due to certain diseases or medications are more susceptible to sun damage and actinic keratosis.
Human papillomavirus (HPV): Some types of HPV can infect the skin and increase the risk of actinic keratosis and skin cancer.
In addition to the face, ears, lips, scalp, neck, chest, back of the hands, and forearms, actinic keratosis can occur on any part of the body exposed to the sun.
Rough, dry, or scaly patches or bumps on the skin that are usually less than 1 inch in diameter
Flat to slightly raised lesions that may have a hard or wartlike surface
Color variations that may include pink, red, brown, or gray
Itching, burning, bleeding, or crusting of the lesions
New patches or bumps that appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin
Actinic keratosis can vary from mild to severe depending on the number and type of lesions. Mild actinic keratosis consists of a few small lesions that are not very noticeable. A moderate actinic keratosis is characterized by more visible and larger lesions. Severe actinic keratosis is characterized by thick, rough lesions that may cover large areas of the skin.
A dermatologist or doctor usually diagnoses actinic keratosis based on a physical examination of the skin. In addition to looking at the appearance, size, shape, color, and location of the lesions, the doctor will ask about a patient's medical history, family history, sun exposure history, and skin care routine.
Some tests may be performed by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other possible causes of skin problems, including:
Skin biopsy: A small sample of skin tissue is taken from the lesion and examined under a microscope to look for signs of abnormal cells or cancer.
Culture: A sample of fluid or pus from the lesion is taken and grown in a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria or virus that may be causing an infection or inflammation.
Blood tests: These check for hormone levels, blood sugar levels, or signs of infection or inflammation in the blood.
Actinic keratosis treatment depends on a patient's age, skin type, and preferences, as well as the severity and location of the lesions. Treatment aims to eliminate or destroy lesions, prevent new ones from forming, reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, and improve the patient's appearance and quality of life.
Actinic keratosis can be treated in the following ways:
In order to treat actinic keratosis, medications are applied to the skin. They contain different ingredients that work in different ways. Among the medications used are retinoids, antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and sulfur.
Procedures: These are methods that use physical or chemical means to remove or destroy lesions. They can be done in a clinic or in a hospital under local or general anesthesia. The most common procedures include freezing, scraping, laser therapy, chemical peel, photodynamic therapy, extraction, drainage, and corticosteroid injection.
The best way to prevent actinic keratosis is to protect the skin from sun damage. Some of the tips for sun protection are:
Limit sun exposure: Avoid going out in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the UV rays are strongest. Seek shade whenever possible.
Use sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays every day before going out in the sun. Reapply every two hours or more often if sweating or swimming.
Wear protective clothing: Cover as much skin as possible with clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that block out sunlight. Wear hats, sunglasses, gloves, and scarves to protect your head, eyes, hands, and neck.
Avoid tanning beds: Do not use tanning beds or lamps as they emit artificial UV rays that can damage the skin.
Check your skin: Examine your skin regularly for any new or changing lesions and report them to your doctor as soon as possible.
When exposed to the sun for a long time, actinic keratosis is a common and treatable condition. By learning how to prevent, recognize, and treat actinic keratosis, you can ensure the health and appearance of your skin.
