Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratoses (AKs) typically appear as small, scaly, or crusty bumps or patches on the skin. They are usually pink, red, or brown in color and may be tender or itchy. AKs can vary in size and texture and may be easier to feel than to see. Common symptoms of AKs include:

1. Rough, scaly patches or bumps on the skin
2. Pink, red, or brown in color
3. Itchy or tender to the touch
4. May feel like sandpaper
5. May be easier to feel than to see
6. May become inflamed or bleed if irritated or scratched
7. Rough patches that go away and come back or don’t heal

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources, such as tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA in the skin cells, which can lead to the development of abnormal cells that grow and multiply abnormally.

Factors that increase the risk of developing AKs include:

1. Age: AKs are more common in people over the age of 40.
2. Fair skin: People with fair skin are more susceptible to the damaging effects of UV radiation.
3. History of sunburns: Repeated sunburns can increase the risk of developing AKs.
4. History of skin cancer: People who have had skin cancer in the past are at increased risk of developing AKs.
5. Geographic location: People who live in areas with high levels of UV radiation are more likely to develop AKs.
6. Immune system suppression: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who have had an organ transplant, are at increased risk of developing AKs.
7. Certain medications: Some medications can make the skin more sensitive to the sun and increase the risk of developing AKs.

Prevention of AKs involves avoiding excessive exposure to the sun, using sunscreen regularly, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are usually diagnosed through a visual examination of the affected area by a dermatologist. Dr. Stees will look for scaly or rough patches of skin and may use a magnifying lens or a dermoscope to examine the lesions more closely. In some cases, he may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of the affected skin is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

The biopsy may involve shaving off a small piece of the lesion or using a small tool to remove a sample of tissue. If the biopsy confirms the presence of AKs. Dr. Stees may also check for signs of additional AKs or skin cancer and may recommend treatment to remove the lesions.

The treatment options for actinic keratoses (AKs) depend on the number and location of the lesions, as well as the individual’s overall health and medical history. Some common treatments for AKs include:

1. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the affected skin cells with liquid nitrogen. The treated area may blister and peel as it heals.
2. Curettage and desiccation: This involves scraping off the affected cells with a sharp instrument and using heat to destroy any remaining cells. The treated area may scab and heal over time.
3. Topical medications: These are creams or gels that are applied directly to the affected area. Examples include 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, and ingenol mebutate. These medications work by killing the abnormal cells in the skin.
4. Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the affected area and then exposing it to a special light source. This activates the photosensitizing agent and destroys the abnormal cells in the skin.
5. Chemical peels: This involves applying a chemical solution to the affected area to exfoliate the top layer of skin and remove the abnormal cells.
6. Surgery: This may be necessary for larger or more severe AKs. The affected area may be removed surgically and then repaired with stitches.

Early treatment of AKs can help to prevent them from progressing to SCC. If you have any suspicious skin lesions, it’s important contact Dr. Marc Stees to have them evaluated.