Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratoses, also called solar keratoses, are lesions that form on the surface of the skin.
Causes
The lesions are caused by long-term and cumulative sun exposure over many years. Sunlight damages the epidermal skin cells (the superficial or outermost layer of the skin), causing them to develop abnormally.
Individuals with fair skin (e.g., blond or red hair, light-coloured eyes), who get sunburned easily and tan little or not at all, who work outdoors, as well as the elderly, are at a higher risk of developing actinic keratoses.
Symptoms
They appear as patches on areas that have been frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, the scalp, the ears, the neck, the hands, the forearms and the legs. These lesions usually have the following features:
- Reddish to brownish in colour
- Rough
- Scaly
- Flat or raised
- Sometimes itchy or accompanied by a burning sensation
Over time, they can grow, thicken and harden. In some cases, they can develop into conical horny outgrowths.
Treatment
Actinic keratoses can sometimes develop into skin cancer. It is therefore important to treat the lesions in order to prevent them from causing further damage. Regular checkups are also recommended to monitor for the appearance of new lesions.
Treatment is based on the size, location, number and appearance of lesions, as well as the person's overall health. The treatment involves removal of the lesions using different methods, including the following:
- Cryotherapy (freezing treatment)
- Prescribed products to apply on the skin
- Surgery
Prevention
It is important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays to prevent actinic keratosis or the return of treated lesions. Here is what you can do:
- Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants as well as wide-brimmed hats
- Avoid tanning salons
- Avoid being in the sun when the rays are at their strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
For more information:
Related services
- Ethical beauty
