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Actinic keratosis

Also called: solar keratosis
A rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by years of sun exposure.
  • Treatable by a medical professional
  • Requires a medical diagnosis
  • Lab tests or imaging not required
  • Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Actinic keratosis usually affects older adults. Reducing sun exposure can help reduce risk.
It is most common on the face, lips, ears, back of hands, forearms, scalp, and neck. The rough, scaly skin patch enlarges slowly and usually causes no other signs or symptoms. A lesion may take years to develop.
Because it can become cancerous, it's usually removed as a precaution.
Very common: More than 3 million US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
People also ask
Actinic keratoses are scaly spots or patches on the top layer of skin. With time they may become hard with a wartlike surface.
Actinic keratosis (AK) causes rough, scaly skin patches. Without treatment, AK can lead to a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
Actinic keratosis. What is actinic keratosis? Also called solar keratosis, this is a precancerous skin growth caused by the sun or indoor tanning.
Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch or bump on the skin. It's also known as a solar keratosis. Actinic keratoses are very common, and many people have ...
Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common precancer that forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or indoor ...
Aug 17, 2023 · Actinic keratoses are premalignant cutaneous lesions that may progress to squamous cell carcinoma. These lesions commonly appear on sun-exposed ...
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous scaly spot found on sun-damaged skin, also known as solar keratosis. It may be considered an early form of cutaneous ...
AKs are often more easily felt than seen. Skin may feel dry and rough to the touch, or raw, sensitive and painful, or even itchy with a pricking or burning ...
Find out more about this skin condition that causes a rough, scaly patch after years of ultraviolet exposure from the sun or indoor tanning.
Feb 23, 2022 · If you find a spot or growth on your skin that you think could be an actinic keratosis (AK), it's time for a thorough skin exam.