If you’ve ever noticed a rough, crusty spot on your skin that doesn’t go away, it might not just be dry skin. It could be an actinic keratosis (AK), a precancerous lesion caused by years of sun exposure. While small, these spots carry big implications if left untreated.
Let’s talk about how to recognize them, what to do if you suspect you have one, and how we can help you treat them effectively.
What Are Actinic Keratoses?
Actinic keratoses, also known as solar keratoses, are precancerous growths that form when skin cells are damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds.
- What they look like: Flat or slightly raised, scaly, and rough patches that may be red, pink, or skin-colored.
- What they feel like: Often described as feeling like sandpaper, they’re typically more noticeable by touch than by sight.
Where they show up: Common on areas that get the most sun such as the face, ears, scalp (especially in balding men), neck, hands, and forearms.
Why Should I be Concerned?
AKs are more than just a cosmetic concern. These lesions are precancerous, meaning they have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common type of skin cancer.While not all AKs progress to cancer, studies suggest that up to 10–20%percent could evolve into SCC over time. Identifying and treating them early is key.
Check Your Skin – Pinpoint Concerning Spots
Check your skin regularly, especially areas with high sun exposure, for these signs:
- Persistent rough or scaly patches
- Pink, red, or brown discoloration
- Lesions that itch, burn, or feel sensitive to touch
- Spots that bleed, crust over, or don’t heal
If you notice any of these, schedule a visit with a board-certified dermatologist. AKs can sometimes mimic benign skin conditions, but only a professional can diagnose and treat them properly.
Prevention is Power
Because AKs develop from chronic UV exposure, sun protection is your best defense.
- Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.
- Avoid tanning beds completely.
Schedule annual skin checks, or more often if you’ve had AKs before.
Possible early treatment : Ultra Laser is a fractionated, gentle laser treatment that’s FDA-cleared to treat actinic keratosis.
If you’ve noticed a suspicious spot or simply want a full skin check, we’re here to help. Schedule an appointment with our board certified dermatology team to keep your skin healthy and protected for years to come.
