Actinic Keratosis

They usually form in sun exposed areas such as the face, scalp, and hands.

Individuals who are fair skinned, have blue eyes or red or blond hair, or are outdoors much of the time are particularly susceptible to SCC development. Patients who are organ transplant patients have a significantly higher risk of developing AKs which transform into skin cancer.

AKs are scaly sandpaper like lesions which can be painful or itchy. Often, our patients note that AKs “come and go in the same location”, are easily palpable, and have some type of discomfort, whether it be itching, tingling or burning.

AKs may develop into squamous cell cancer (SCC) and have been associated with basal cell cancer (BCC) lesions. AKs may develop as early as the third and fourth decade of life. Untreated lesions have up to 20 % risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma. Individuals who are fair skinned, have blue eyes or red or blond hair, or are outdoors much of the time are particularly susceptible to SCC development. Patients who are organ transplant patients have a significantly higher risk of developing AKs which transform into skin cancer.

AKs are scaly sandpaper like lesions which can be painful or itchy. They can be categorized into four types of lesions:

• hypertrophic subtype
• pigmented subtype
• atrophic subtype
• lichenoid subtype

Often, our patients note that AKs “come and go in the same location”, are easily palpable, and have some type of discomfort, whether it be itching, tingling or burning.

AKs can form anywhere on the body. They usually form in sun exposed areas such as the face, scalp, and hands. They are most dangerous when they form over the lip or ear regions, as these areas are more susceptible to invasive cancer formation. If you notice recurrent AKs forming on your skin after they have been treated, you should follow-up with us for a re-evaluation and possibly a skin biopsy.

Preventive measures recommended for actinic keratosis are similar to those for skin cancer prevention:

• Not staying in the sun for long periods of time without protection (e.g., sunscreen, clothing, hats).
• Frequently applying powerful sunscreens with SPF ratings greater than 30 and that also block both UVA and UVB light.
• Wearing sun protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or trousers.
• Avoiding sun exposure during noon hours is very helpful because ultraviolet light is the most powerful at that time.