Actinic Keratosis

You may suffer from skin conditions at any time, ranging from mild rashes to rough, hard, scaly patches. Knowing the warning signs of skin conditions is crucial for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, especially if it is a precancerous condition. This article will explore one such precancerous condition known as “Actinic Keratosis.” It is a type of skin condition that causes rough, scaly patches on your skin, most often due to increased sun exposure over the years. You may often notice these patches on your face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands. Though these patches may not be life-threatening, you may decrease the risk of skin cancer by early detection and treatment. 

If you notice red, rough, scaly bumps on your skin, consult your dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) for diagnosis and treatment. 

A Comprehensive Guide to Actinic Keratosis 

Actinic keratosis, or solar keratosis, is a rough, scaly patch or bump on the skin. It is a type of precancerous condition, which means that if you do not treat it, it could turn into cancer. If left untreated, actinic keratosis can lead to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. More than 40 million Americans are estimated to develop actinic keratosis each year. 

Causes 

Increased sun exposure, especially UV (ultraviolet) light, is believed to cause actinic keratosis. Without proper sun protection, the harmful rays can damage your skin, which may build up over the years, causing precancerous changes to your skin.

Risk Factors 

Anyone can develop actinic keratosis, but you are at an increased risk if you:

• Have red or blond hair
• Have a light skin tone
• Have blue or light-colored eyes
• Tend to burn easily when exposed to sunlight
• Are older than 45
• Work outdoors in a sunny place
• Have a compromised immune system as seen in type 2 diabetes or HIV
• Have any rare conditions such as albinism

Exploring The Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis

One of the early signs of actinic keratosis is the presence of rough, raised patches on your skin. These bumps may vary in color from gray to pink and red. Symptoms may also include:

• Burning, tingling, or an itching sensation around the affected skin
• Bleeding 
• Dry, scaly lips
• Horn-like skin growths budging out like an animal horn
• Loss of pigmentation in the lips
• Pain or tenderness around the scaly patches

Actinic Keratosis Diagnosis

Actinic keratosis can be easily diagnosed by your dermatologist by 

• Carefully evaluate your skin through a physical exam.
• Skin biopsy
• If the dermatologist is uncertain or the skin appears unusual, they may recommend a skin biopsy. 
• This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a few skin cells are extracted from the affected area and studied under a microscope to obtain a specific diagnosis.

Effective Treatment Options for Actinic Keratosis

Treatment options for actinic keratosis usually depend on the number of actinic keratosis patches. These patches can be removed in a clinical setup by your dermatologist by the following procedures:

Chemical Peels

• This cosmetic procedure uses medically graded chemical solutions that destroy and exfoliate the unwanted patches in your superficial skin layer (epidermis).
• The treated skin appears sore, inflamed, and red, but after a few days, it heals, leaving behind a healthy layer of skin.

Cryotherapy

• This is a preferred treatment option for one or two skin patches.
• During the procedure, your dermatologist uses a cold substance such as liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin growths.
• These growths convert into blisters and peel off. 

Surgical Excision

• Your dermatologist numbs your skin using an anesthetic solution and scrapes away or cuts the actinic keratosis patches using a surgical knife.
• The excised area is stitched back together, which usually heals in 2 to 3 weeks.

Photodynamic Therapy

• This is recommended when you have multiple skin patches that recur after treatment. 
• This treatment uses specially formulated creams and light energy to destroy the precancerous skin cells. 

Laser Resurfacing

• This is most often used to treat actinic cheilitis (a precancerous growth on your lip).
• A beam of laser light of different wavelengths is targeted on the affected area to remove the superficial layer of the skin.
• The underlying skin will feel raw and sore, eventually healing in 1 to 2 weeks.

At-home Treatments for Actinic Keratosis

• Most often, your dermatologist cannot see your skin patches and may prescribe at-home treatment to treat the patches. 
• These typically involve applying medicated creams to your skin.
• You may be advised to use these creams for up to three to four months. 
• Some examples include:
• Diclofenac skin gel
• Fluorouracil skin cream
• Ingenol mebutate topical gel

Preventive Measures for Actinic Keratosis 

Ensure you protect your skin from increased sun exposure. Take the following steps to protect your skin from the sun:

Limit Sun Exposure

• Avoid excess sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Avoid staying in the sun for long to prevent sunburn or suntan.

Use a high-SPF sunscreen.

• Before going outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with at least 30 SPF (sun protection factor), even on cloudy days.
• Apply sunscreen on all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before outside.
• If you sweat a lot or indulge in swimming, remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. 
• Sunscreen is not recommended for babies; instead, use hats and proper clothing to cover them.

Cover Up

• Make sure to cover up your arms and legs with appropriate tightly woven clothing.
• Use a broad-brimmed hat that offers extra sun protection.

Avoid Tanning Beds

• The increased UV exposure from tanning beds can damage the skin, just like a sun tan.

Examine Your Skin Regularly

• Check your skin and look for any early signs of actinic keratosis.
• Evaluate your skin for any new skin growths or changes like moles, freckles, or birthmarks.

Final Note 

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition that requires immediate treatment. It causes rough, raised, red, or brown scaly patches on the body that often go away with topical medications, chemical peels, laser therapy, or surgical intervention. Furthermore, you can protect your skin from sun exposure and lower your risk for actinic keratosis. If you notice any warning signs associated with actinic keratosis, consult your dermatologist immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the less likely you are to develop skin cancer.