These cancerous growths can appear anywhere, although they’re more likely to be seen on the face and scalp. They’re also more likely to develop in men than in women.

What to look for: Actinic keratosis are red, scaly or crusty patches of skin. They may be mistaken for other skin conditions, so if you have any concerns about these marks, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

How to treat it: Your doctor may advise using a cream that contains 5-fluorouracil (Efudex) or imiquimod (Aldara), which are applied to the affected area for several weeks. There’s also a cryotherapy option, which freezes off the growths with liquid nitrogen.

What is it?

Actinic keratoses are small, thickened, scaly patches on the skin that form from years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other sources such as tanning beds. They usually appear in areas most often exposed to the sun, such as the face, lips, ears, back of the hands, forearms and scalp. They can also appear on areas that receive less sun exposure including the lower legs.

These spots can range in size from 1/8 inch to several inches wide. Sometimes they’re so small you can barely see them, or they may be hidden by hair. In color they range from skin-colored to reddish brown. Some people have only one actinic keratosis while others have many.

If left untreated, some actinic keratoses may become squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC is a type of skin cancer. The risk increases with the number of actinic keratoses you have.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous skin condition that is caused by sun damage. The cells on the outermost layer of the epidermis grow abnormally and may become cancerous in the future.

The skin lesions are scaly, rough and pink or red in color. They can be found on your face, forehead, ears, neck, hands and arms – areas that are frequently exposed to the sun.

Having an actinic keratosis does not mean you have cancer. It only means that your skin has undergone significant changes and you should keep an eye on them. If left untreated, they can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous skin condition that affects about 10 million Americans annually. AKs are scaly, pink, red or brown growths caused by over exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning booths. They most commonly occur on the face, arms, hands and other areas of the body frequently exposed to the sun.

If left untreated, AKs can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common form of skin cancer. While most cases of SCC are easily treated, they can be fatal if allowed to progress. The majority of SCCs begin as AKs.

Anyone with multiple AK lesions should see a dermatologist for treatment options. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), treatment can include freezing with liquid nitrogen, applying prescription creams, laser therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Actinic keratosis is a condition caused by too much sun exposure, especially in people with fair skin. It is a common skin problem that occurs in areas of the body that have had the most exposure to the sun like the face, ears, neck, scalp, hands and arms. If left untreated, actinic keratosis can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.

Symptoms:

– Red or pink raised patches

– Rough to touch

– Soreness

– Bleeding

If you notice rough, scaly patches on your skin, it might be actinic keratosis (AK), a common pre-cancerous skin condition. AK is caused by damage from sun exposure and occurs most often in fair-skinned people over the age of 40.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen year round and wearing sun protective clothing to help prevent AK. If you are diagnosed with AK, regular visits to your dermatologist for skin cancer screenings are recommended.

actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a precancerous skin condition. It is the most common pre-cursor to squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The condition is estimated to affect more than 58 million people in the United States.

Actinic keratosis appears as a dry, scaly patch on sun-damaged skin. It can develop anywhere on the body; however, it is most commonly seen in areas that receive large amounts of sun exposure such as:

Face

Ears

Hands

Arms

Scalp