What is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a skin growth caused by sun damage. It can turn into skin cancer, but this isn't common. Actinic keratoses, also called solar keratoses, are small red, brown, or skin-colored scaly patches. They are most common on the scalp, face, neck, hands, and forearms.

Your doctor can remove these growths by freezing or scraping them off or by putting medicines on them.

Actinic keratosis may turn into skin cancer, but this isn't common. There is no way to find out whether actinic keratosis will progress to squamous cell carcinoma or how fast this might occur.

People who have a weak immune system have a higher risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma.

Actinic keratoses are small, reddish or brownish patches that don't go away. They most often occur on the head, neck, or hands. But they can be found on other areas of the body. Usually more than one is present. They may have a rough texture. And they may itch, burn, or sting.

Your doctor may treat it by freezing it, using medicines on it, or shaving it off. Or they may use medicine that's activated with light (photodynamic therapy). Sometimes a laser or chemicals are used to destroy the top layer of skin.

• To help prevent getting another actinic keratosis:
  • Always wear sunscreen on exposed skin. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Use it every day, even when it is cloudy.
  • Wear long sleeves, a hat, and pants if you are going to be outdoors for a long time.
  • Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak time for UV rays.
  • Do not use tanning booths or sunlamps.

Actinic keratosis is diagnosed through a skin exam. Your doctor may use a bright light or magnifying lens to look for growths, moles, or lesions. The scalp is checked by parting the hair. If there is a chance of cancer, your doctor may take a sample of your skin and test (biopsy) it.

If you've had an actinic keratosis removed, follow your doctor's instructions. If you didn't get instructions, wash around the area with clean water 2 times a day. Until the area has healed, you may cover it with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.

Actinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis, is a skin growth that develops in sun-exposed skin. The growth often happens on the face, hands, forearms, and neck. It occurs most often in people with lighter skin.