Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that occurs due to long-term exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It can affect people of all ages and lead to precancerous lesions on the skin’s surface. Although these lesions do not always lead to skin cancer, it is crucial to identify, prevent, and treat the condition as soon as possible. This article provides an overview of the signs, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for actinic keratosis.

Symptoms
The primary sign of actinic keratosis is the appearance of scaly or rough patches of skin that may be red, tan, or brown. These patches may feel dry and flaky, have a waxy or scaly texture, and be slightly raised. While they do not usually cause pain, the patch can be unsightly and, in some cases, become cancerous.

Besides a patch, one may experience these symptoms:

• Small white or yellow bumps
• A sore that does not heal
• Itching or burning sensations on the skin
• Skin that feels tender when touched
• Areas of thickened skin

Identifying actinic keratosis early is critical to preventing skin cancer. If one notices any skin-related changes, they should visit a qualified healthcare provider as soon as possible. A professional can diagnose actinic keratosis and determine the best treatment option.

Causes
While the exact cause of actinic keratosis is unknown, it is believed to be linked to cumulative sun exposure and genetic predisposition. Several factors can increase one’s risk of developing the condition, including:

• Sun exposure
  Long-term or intense exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays increases the risk of actinic keratosis. This is especially true if someone does not take precautions like wearing sunscreen or protective clothing.
• Age
  The disorder usually develops in people over 40, although younger individuals can also be affected.
• Location
  People living in a sunny area or working outdoors are more likely to develop actinic keratosis.
• Pre-existing skin conditions
  Those with certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, are more likely to develop actinic keratosis.
• Genetics
  Some people may have a greater genetic predisposition for developing the disorder than others.
• Skin type
  Actinic keratosis is common in people with fair skin, but anyone can develop it.

Individuals should understand the causes and risk factors of actinic keratosis and take steps to reduce their susceptibility.

Diagnosis
If one believes they have actinic keratosis, they should visit a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Doctors typically diagnose the disorder through visual inspection, but a biopsy may be performed to double-check. The doctor looks at the patient’s skin, asks about the symptoms they are experiencing, and reviews their health history. They then take a sample of the affected skin to determine if cancer cells are present.

Treatment options
Doctors may recommend a treatment based on the severity and number of lesions. Common treatment options include:

• Cryosurgery
  A cold liquid or gas is applied to the affected area to freeze the damaged skin cells and remove them.
• Photodynamic therapy
  A photosensitizing solution is applied to the skin and activated by light therapy to destroy damaged skin cells.
• Laser therapy
  Lasers can remove damaged skin cells with minimal effect to the surrounding tissue.

Risks and complications
If ignored, the condition can lead to the following risks and complications:

• Skin cancer
  The lesions are more likely to turn into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a nonmelanoma skin cancer. If left untreated, SCC can spread to other parts of the body.
• Disfigurements
  Actinic keratosis patches can become large and disfigure the affected area if left untreated for too long. This is mainly due to their raised nature and rough texture compared with the normal surrounding tissue.
• Scarring
  In rare cases, aggressive treatment such as cryotherapy or surgery may leave scars behind after healing. This could result in permanent discoloration or textural changes at the site where treatment was applied. Patients should speak with a dermatologist before proceeding with treatment to avoid permanent marks.