Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by years of sun exposure. It’s considered a precancer because it can sometimes turn into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. AKs are most common on areas that get a lot of sun, like the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, hands, and arms. They often start small and may grow slowly. Protecting your skin from the sun and treating AKs early can help prevent skin cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Actinic keratosis is a rough, dry, scaly spot on the skin caused by too much sun over time. It is considered a precancer because it can sometimes develop into skin cancer.
Signs include small, rough patches that feel like sandpaper. They may be pink, red, or brown and are often found on sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, and hands.
AKs can be treated with freezing (cryotherapy), prescription creams, laser treatments, or rarely with minor surgery. Your dermatologist will recommend the best option based on the number and location of spots.
