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Contents
  • Understanding Actinic Keratoses
  • Why You Shouldn't Ignore Them
  • Who Is Most at Risk?

What Are Actinic Keratoses and Why Should You Care?

What Are Actinic Keratoses and Why Should You Care?

What's This About?

Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by too much sun exposure. They might seem harmless, but they can turn into skin cancer, which is why they should not be ignored.
Contents
  • Understanding Actinic Keratoses
  • Why You Shouldn't Ignore Them
  • Who Is Most at Risk?

Understanding Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common skin lesions caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. These crusty, scaly patches often develop on the face, ears, lips, and back of the hands, areas frequently exposed to the sun. While most AKs don't become cancerous, they are considered precancerous because they can potentially lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Them

Ignoring actinic keratoses is not advisable because they can be unpredictable. Some may disappear on their own, but others can progress to skin cancer. Early treatment can prevent the development of more serious issues. Moreover, treating AKs can improve the appearance of your skin and alleviate any discomfort they might cause, such as itching or tenderness.
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. They are considered precancerous and can lead to squamous cell carcinoma.

Who Is Most at Risk?

People who spend a lot of time in the sun without adequate protection are at higher risk of developing actinic keratoses. This includes those who work outdoors, enjoy sunbathing, or live in sunny climates. Fair-skinned individuals, especially those with blonde or red hair and blue or green eyes, are more susceptible because their skin has less natural protection against UV rays.

FAQs

What causes actinic keratoses?

Actinic keratoses are caused by long-term sun exposure.

Can actinic keratoses become cancerous?

Yes, they can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.

What do actinic keratoses look like?

They appear as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin.

Key Takeaways

Actinic keratoses are early warning signs of potential skin cancer that should not be ignored.
Get started on protecting your skin by discussing concerns with Doctronic today.
Additional References
  1. Criscione VD, Weinstock MA, Naylor MF, et al. Actinic keratoses: Natural history and risk of malignant transformation in the Veterans Affairs Topical Tretinoin Chemoprevention Trial. Cancer 2009; 115:2523.
  2. Marks R, Rennie G, Selwood TS. Malignant transformation of solar keratoses to squamous cell carcinoma. Lancet 1988; 1:795.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.