Actinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis, is a colored scaly patch that develops on the skin due to years of exposure to strong UV light from the sun. It is often a precancerous condition, which means it can progress to cancer if left untreated. Actinic keratosis patches usually appear in groups on body surfaces prone to UV exposure. This post discusses the condition’s symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention methods.

Symptoms
Raised rough bumps and lesions on the skin are generally the first signs of actinic keratosis. These bumps and lesions could appear anywhere on the body but are most likely to affect the scalp, face, neck, shoulders, ears, and the back of the forearms and hands. They may be red, pink, tan, gray, or similar to the skin’s texture. The bumps may also have a brown or yellow crust on top.

The condition’s other effects and signs include bleeding, scaly and dry lips, burning, itching, stinging, tenderness, pain, loss of lip color, and horn-like growth on the skin. When these changes appear on the skin, contacting a healthcare provider immediately is essential. Without treatment, the disorder may lead to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Causes and risk factors
Long-term exposure to UV light or sunlight is the primary reason behind the development of actinic keratosis. These rays damage the skin’s outer layer of cells, known as keratinocytes. While anyone may suffer from the disorder, the following characteristics increase one’s risk:

• Being 50 years or older
• Using tanning beds
• Having light-colored eyes or hair
• A tendency to venture out in the sun
• Residing in a sunny environment
• A history of extreme sun exposure or sunburn
• A human papilloma virus (HPV) infection

Diagnosis
A dermatologist is an expert in diagnosing and treating skin conditions like actinic keratosis. In most cases, they confirm the disorder by a simple visual examination. However, if unsure, they may recommend a skin biopsy. This is a short and minimally invasive procedure wherein a skin cell sample is examined under a microscope. While the sample may be extracted in a few minutes, it may be a few days before it is analyzed in a lab and the reports are prepared.

Treatment options
The expert may recommend a treatment depending on the number of patches and how they appear. A few common options are discussed below. It is vital to consult a doctor before using these:

• Chemical peels
  A chemical peel is like a face mask. When the dermatologist applies the peel on the affected area, the chemicals help destroy unwanted patches on the skin’s top layer. The treated area will be red and sore during the first few days, but a healthy skin layer will develop with time.
• Excision
  In this treatment procedure, the healthcare provider numbs the part of the skin around the patches. They then remove the patches using a sharp tool and stitch the skin back together. The wound takes two to three weeks to heal after the procedure.
• Cryotherapy
  A healthcare provider uses this procedure if a patient has only one or two patches. Here, liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the growth on the skin. Within a few days, the treated portion blisters and peels off.
• Photodynamic therapy
  If there are multiple patches and they return even after the treatment, this treatment may be recommended. During photodynamic therapy, the expert uses special creams and lights to destroy the harmful cells. The patient is also asked to stay away from sun exposure during the treatment period.

Prevention
Like many health conditions, actinic keratosis can be avoided with specific lifestyle changes. The following are a few useful ways to prevent the disorder:

• Avoid exposure to UV rays, specifically from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Wear sunscreen every day.
• Cover the skin when stepping out in the sunlight.
• Avoid tanning beds, tanning salons, and sun lamps.
• Wear sun-safe clothing and apparel, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and full pants.

Actinic keratosis is the most common skin precancer; around 58 million people in our country are affected by it. It is a severe skin condition that should be treated immediately. The patches may return after the treatment if one does not protect their skin from sun damage. Thus, it becomes essential to limit exposure to sunlight. If individuals think they have actinic keratosis, they should consult a healthcare provider. An expert can recommend the correct procedures to remove or destroy harmful skin cells. The sooner the individual opts for treatment, the less the chances of developing cancer.