Actinic Keratoses: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Actinic keratoses (singular: actinic keratosis), also known as solar keratoses, are precancerous scaly spots on sun-damaged skin. They often develop into squamous cell carcinomas.
FAST FACTS
1. Actinic keratoses (AKs) are pre-cancers.
Scaly or crusty in appearance, these spots develop slowly and are usually signs of long-term sun damage. They are most often found in areas of the skin generally exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, the face, the neck, ears, arms, and shoulders.
2. Some people are predisposed to AKs.
Actinic keratoses often affect people who have lived in the tropics or subtropics and/or have predisposing factors such as:
- Other signs of sun damage on the skin
- Fair skin
- History of sunburn
- History of long hours spent outdoors for work or recreation
- Compromised immune system.
Take control of your skin health today!
Struggling with Actinic keratoses? There is no need to put up with the discomfort or worry. Call (469) 663-8838 to schedule your consultation with Bluebonnet Dermatology. We serve patients from McKinney, as well as the surrounding communities of Allen, Frisco, Plano, Wylie, Melissa, Fairview, Celina, Lucas, and Parker, among others.
3. AKs are caused by sun damage.
Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation (UV). This is present in two forms –
- Ultraviolet A (UVA) which has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin aging
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength associated with skin burning.
AKs are caused by DNA damage in skin cells due to shorter-length UVB radiation. They are more likely to appear if the immune function is poor, due to ageing, recent sun exposure, existing predisposing diseases or certain medications.
4. Diagnosis is relatively straightforward
With the help of dermoscopy, a board-certified dermatologist can diagnose one or more AK during a skin examination. A biopsy may be performed. The main concern with AKs is their tendency to develop into more serious squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). While only about 8 to 10 percent of actinic keratoses will eventually become cancerous, the majority of SCCs do begin as AKs. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell which AKs will become dangerous, so monitoring and treating any that crop up is the only way to be sure. AKs are also unsightly or may make patients uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Actinic Keratoses
What are actinic keratoses?
Actinic keratoses, often referred to as solar keratoses, are rough, scaly bumps that form on the skin due to excessive sun exposure. These lesions commonly appear on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, ears, and hands. Dr. Huayi Zhang and her team at Bluebonnet Dermatology, serving the McKinney, Texas area, describe them as a warning sign that your skin has experienced significant sun damage over time.
Are actinic keratoses dangerous?
Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous, which means they have the potential to develop into skin cancer if left untreated. According to Dr. Huayi Zhang, early detection and treatment are essential to prevent progression to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Regular check-ups can catch these lesions early.
Who is most at risk for developing actinic keratoses?
Individuals with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and blond or red hair are more prone to actinic keratoses due to their lower levels of melanin protection. Our patients who spend long hours in the sun without sun protection, especially in their youth, are also at higher risk. Our team emphasizes that protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is a critical step in prevention.
What do actinic keratoses look like?
Actinic keratoses often appear as small, rough patches on the skin. They may be red, pink, or brown and can feel like sandpaper under your fingers. Some lesions may even become tender or itchy. If you notice changes in these spots, we recommend scheduling a dermatology appointment to assess the condition.
Can actinic keratoses go away on their own?
Some actinic keratoses may fade over time, but this does not mean the sun damage has healed. The underlying damage remains, and the lesions can return or worsen. Our team stresses the importance of addressing actinic keratoses through professional evaluation and treatment, rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own.
How are actinic keratoses treated?
Treatment options for actinic keratoses include cryotherapy, chemical peels, topical creams, and photodynamic therapy. Cryotherapy, for example, involves freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen to remove the damaged skin cells. Dr. Huayi Zhang tailors treatment plans to suit each patient’s specific needs and ensures they receive the best care at Bluebonnet Dermatology.
How can I prevent actinic keratoses?
Preventing actinic keratoses requires diligent sun protection. We advise using a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak sun hours further reduces your risk.
Are actinic keratoses painful?
While many actinic keratoses are painless, some may become tender or irritated. It is important to monitor any discomfort in these lesions, as it could indicate changes requiring medical attention. We are always ready to provide a thorough examination and address any concerns.
How often should I see a dermatologist for actinic keratoses?
Dr. Huayi Zhang recommends visiting her at least once a year for a skin check, or more frequently if you have a personal or family history of actinic keratoses or skin cancer. Regular monitoring using skin cancer screenings allows the team at Bluebonnet Dermatology to identify new or changing lesions early and take appropriate action quickly.
Can children or teenagers develop actinic keratoses?
While actinic keratoses typically develop in older adults due to cumulative sun exposure, younger individuals are not entirely exempt. Dr. Huayi Zhang emphasizes the importance of establishing good sun-protection habits early in life to minimize long-term skin damage and reduce the risk of developing actinic keratoses.
5. Various treatments are available.
Treatment generally involves cryotherapy to remove the damaged skin cells, which are generally located in the epidermis layer. The epidermis regenerates from surrounding cells that have not suffered sun damage. Other treatments can involve surgical excision (cutting and removing), chemical peels, or cauterizing (burning). The choice of treatment depends upon the size of the cancer, its location, how long you have had the tumor, and how much scarring is likely to occur with each treatment.
