Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a rough, scaly patch on your skin that develops from years of exposure to the sun. It's most commonly found on the face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp, and neck.

Actinic keratosis on the lip

Causes

The primary cause of actinic keratosis is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from sunlight or from tanning beds.

Histopathology of actinic keratosis with moderate atypia

Symptoms

• Actinic keratoses start as thick, scaly, crusty skin patches. These patches are often less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter. They might be hard to see at first but are usually easier to feel. Other signs and symptoms include:
• Rough-textured skin
• Skin color changes
• Itching or burning in the affected area

Actinic keratosis of the scalp

Risk Factors

• Factors that increase your risk of actinic keratosis include:
• Having fair skin, blue or light-colored eyes, and blond or red hair
• Older age
• Chronic sun exposure
• History of sunburns
• Having a weak immune system

Treatment

• Treatment options for actinic keratosis include:
• Topical medications
• Cryotherapy (freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen)
• Photodynamic therapy (a special light activates a chemical that kills the cells)
• Curettage (scraping off the lesion)
• Laser resurfacing

Prevention

To help protect yourself from developing actinic keratosis, minimize your sun exposure and protect your skin from UV radiation.

See Also

• Sunburn
• Skin cancer
• Photodynamic therapy

References

• "Actinic keratosis". Mayo Clinic.
• "Actinic Keratosis". American Academy of Dermatology Association.
• "Actinic Keratosis". American Cancer Society.

Actinic keratosis Resources
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