Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a type of sun-damaged skin that usually appears on areas frequently exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as the lower thighs, forearms, hands, lips, bald scalp, and ears. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer. However, actinic keratosis can be considered pre-cancerous lesions and poses no danger of transforming into skin cancer as long as they are detected and treated promptly.

Causes
Long-term sun exposure is the main cause of actinic keratosis. One may have an increased risk of getting this illness if one:

Has experienced sunburns early in life
Is over 60
Has pale skin and blue eyes
Is prone to sunburns
Has spent a lot of time in the sun
Has the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
If one’s immune system has been compromised by chemotherapy, AIDS, organ transplantation, or other conditions

Symptoms
Actinic keratosis progresses gradually. The signs and symptoms include:
Poorly marginated and almost flat lesions
Roug, dry, and scaly skin patch
Pink, red, brown, or light gray bumps on the skin
Pain or tenderness
Itching, stinging, or burning
Blood loss in the impacted area
Scaly, dry lips
Loss of color on lips
Skin growths resemble the horns of animals and protrude

Diagnosis
Medical professionals often review an individual’s medical history and ask questions about their sun protection habits when diagnosing actinic keratosis. This helps them get a better understanding of the individual’s risk factors.

When visiting a doctor for a skin exam, they will thoroughly examine any current lesions on the skin. To do this, a dermatoscope may be used to closely examine the affected areas. This device is similar in appearance to a magnifying glass and provides a magnified image of the lesions beneath the surface of the skin. This examination technique is known as dermoscopy.

However, it’s not always easy to distinguish between actinic keratosis and skin cancer, so additional testing might be required.

Treatment
There are a few options that can be considered for the treatment. These include:

Cryotherapy
A cryosurgery solution, like liquid nitrogen, is sprayed over the lesion during cryotherapy, also called cryosurgery. Post this, the cells instantaneously freeze and perish. The lesion will scab over and peel off a few days after the treatment.

Phototherapy
A solution is applied to the lesion and the afflicted skin during phototherapy. The cells are then targeted and destroyed by a powerful laser beam that is then shone on the area.

Chemical peel
A chemical peel can be compared to a high-quality facial mask, but it is applied by a healthcare professional. The ingredients used in the peel safely remove unwanted skin growths from the top layer of skin. While the treated area may be uncomfortable and red for a few days after the procedure, a new and healthy layer of skin will become visible as the wound heals.

Excision
Before beginning this procedure, the doctor numbs the skin around the affected area. The actinic keratosis is surgically removed or scraped, and the cut is stitched back up. Normally, a wound heals in two to three weeks.