Actinic Keratosis is a common skin condition that is caused due to long-term exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays. It starts by appearing like rough and scaly patches on areas of the skin that has received excessive sun exposure. It mainly happens in the areas like neck, ears, scalp, face, hands and forearms. Actinic keratosis is not skin cancer but it is considered precancerous as some lesions may develop into squamous cell carcinoma which is a type of skin cancer. Early recognition helps in timely treatment and risk reduction.
What Is Actinic Keratosis?
Repeated exposure to UV rays damages the DNA of the skin cells developing a condition known as Actinic Keratosis. This damage can lead to growth of abnormal cells in the outer layer of the skin. This condition develops slowly and is recognized through rough patch that feels different from the normal skin. When it comes to lesions, some might seem normal while others may get thicker with time.
Actinic Keratosis is common in people who have had continuous sun exposure for a long period of time. This condition is generally found in older adults but is also common in younger people who have been severely exposed to UV rays.
What Does Actinic Keratosis Look Like?
Actinic Keratosis may not appear same in everyone and is likely to differ from person to person. The common signs include, dry or scaly area of skin, sandpaper like patch, slightly raised lesions, lesions that may appear in different colors like pink, red, brown, or skin-colored, and a thicker or crusted patch in advanced lesions. Sometimes the roughness can only be felt and may not be visible. This condition may appear as a single or multiple lesions in the sun damaged area.
Common Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis
Although in many actinic keratosis cases, there may not be any significant symptoms, there are some commonly ones. These include itching, burning, stinging, tenderness, sensitivity, dryness, crusting, and occasional bleeding. A lesion may seem to be becoming increasingly thick, bleeding or painful. If these actinic keratosis symptoms are present then there arises a need for immediate evaluation as these changes can indicate a progressing squamous cell carcinoma.
What Causes Actinic Keratosis?
The major actinic keratosis cause is cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It may damage the DNA of skin cells and produce abnormal cells. UV radiations reach us through natural sunlight during outdoor activities or occupations, using tanning beds or artificial UV sources. Please understand that a single sunburn cannot cause this condition, it develops over time as a result of repeated exposure.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Actinic Keratosis?
The risk depends on several factors like age, skin type, sun exposure, previous sunburns, weak immune system and geography. Let’s read about these in detail.
Age: This condition is common with increasing age as it is likely to develop slowly as a result of excessive sun exposure.
Skin Type: People with fair skin are likely to get skin burn easily and are a higher risk.
Sun Exposure: People who spend a lot of time outdoors due to work, sport or lifestyle are likely to be at a higher risk.
Geography: There are areas which have high level of sunlight and exposure to harmful UV rays. This increases the risk in people who live there as they are likely to have cumulative exposure.
Previous Sunburn: If there have been repeated sunburns then these may lead to long-term UV damage.
Weak Immune System: People with suppressed immune systems are likely to be at a higher risk of developing Actinin Keratosis.
Is Actinic Keratosis Cancerous?
Actinic Keratosis is not a skin cancer but it is considered as precancerous. There is a proportion of this condition which when progresses can lead to squamous cell carcinoma. This is what makes it necessary to get suspicious lesions medically examined. There are certain warning signs like recurrent bleeding, ulceration, increasing thickness, tenderness, changes and rapid growth.
How Is Actinic Keratosis Diagnosed?
Actinic Keratosis diagnoses are done by a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. The doctor checks the texture, location, history, previous medical conditions and appearance of the lesion. If the lesion appears suspicious or here is some uncertainty then a need for skin biopsy arises in which a small sample of the lesion is removed and examined.
Actinic Keratosis Treatment Options
Actinic Keratosis Treatment depends on the severity, thickness, number of lesions, appearance and the location.
Cryotherapy
In this extreme cold usually liquid nitrogen is used to destroy the abnormal cells. This treatment is commonly given to patients who have individual or few lesions. It can cause the area to become red, blister or form a crust before it starts to heal.
Prescription creams and gels
There are certain topical medicines which can be prescribed for the treatment of multiple lesions or a large sun-damaged area. The treatment may work differently for patients and may cause redness, irritation or inflammation.
Curettage or surgical removal
A thick or suspicious lesion may be required to be removed surgically or mechanically. The tissue from the lesion may be examined to check if there are any cancerous changes.
Photodynamic therapy
In this therapy, light-sensitive medication is given followed by exposure to specific light. This helps in cases of multiple lesions that have developed over a sun-damaged area.
Other dermatological treatments
Dermatologists may suggest other treatments based on the individual situation. The treatment should always be given after examining the lesion and not merely on the basis of the appearance alone.
Can Actinic Keratosis Go Away on Its Own?
There are certain actinic keratoses which resolves on their own. This generally happens in case of smaller lesions but this does not mean that the rough or patchy skin should be ignored. Even when the lesion gets disappeared, there might still be underlying sun damage. Over time, new lesions may develop in the same area as a result of the accumulated UV damage.
How to Prevent Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis prevention steps include reducing cumulative UV exposure and others which are as follows.
Use sun protection
You should always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with required SPF and apply it in the right way regularly.
Cover exposed skin
Always cover yourself before stepping out in the sun. Wear scarf, gloves, summer coat and sun glasses.
Protect the face, ears and scalp
Cover the commonly exposed areas like the ears, face, scalp, neck and forearms. People with thin or no hair should use a cap.
Seek shade
Always safeguard yourself from direct exposure to sunlight particularly when the radiation is strong.
Avoid tanning beds
Artificial UV exposure may cause skin damage and therefore, should be avoided.
Examine your skin
Check your skin regularly and see if there are nay new or changing lesions. This is essential especially for those who have been exposed to sunlight for long.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should immediately consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist if you notice a rough patch which doesn’t go away, keeps returning, get thicker, changes rapidly, bleeds or develops into an ulcer. If there is a history of skin cancer or you have multiple lesions then consult now.
Conclusion
Actinic keratosis happens as a result of excessive sun damage. This condition can be effectively treated and prevented by protecting oneself from direct sunlight and prolonged sun exposure. If you see any unusual signs on your skin then consult a specialist immediately.
Dr. Kavita Poply is a highly qualified and experienced medical professional in the field of Pain Medicine and Neuromodulation. She has been helping her patients in recovering and leading their best lives by providing appropriate treatment based on her medical expertise and case status. Book an appointment now for right consultation and treatment.
FAQs
Q.1 What causes actinic keratosis?
Ans. Actinic Keratosis is caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The cumulative exposure damages the DNA of skin cell which causes this condition.
Q.2 Where does actinic keratosis commonly appear?
Ans. It is commonly seen in areas that have been chronically exposed like forehead, face, neck, forearms, ears or back of the hands.
Q.3 Can actinic keratosis come back after treatment?
Ans. Yes. Even after treatment, there may be chances of it developing again due to the underlying sun damage in the surrounding skin.
Q.4 How long does actinic keratosis treatment take?
Ans. The duration of the treatment varies depending on the severity of medical condition, patient’s health and the treatment chosen. While some of the individual lesions can be treated in a single clinic visit, multiple lesions require several visits.
Q.5 How can you prevent actinic keratosis from developing?
Ans. There are certain preventive measures which can be followed like using sunscreen, wearing protective hats, and appropriate clothing, avoiding tanning beds and seeking shade. You should regularly check the sun-exposed skin and consult doctor in case of suspicious lesions.