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Alternative names Return to top
Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar)Definition Return to top
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth usually caused by sun exposure.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Actinic keratosis occurs most commonly in fair skin, especially in the elderly and in young individuals with light complexions. The growths occur in sun-exposed skin areas. The growths begin as flat scaly areas that later develop a hard wart-like surface.
They are classified as precancerous growths. If left untreated, approximately 10% of actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
The health care provider bases the diagnosis on the appearance of the skin growth. A skin biopsy could reveal signs of cancerous changes, if present.Treatment Return to top
Because actinic keratoses represent precancerous changes, have them examined promptly, and follow the health care provider's advice for treatment.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
By itself, actinic keratosis is benign, but it may develop into skin cancer. Removal of the growth is usually effective.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if areas of persistent roughness or scaliness develop in sun-exposed skin.Prevention Return to top
Minimize sun exposure and protect skin from the sun. Wear protective clothing such as hats, long sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants. Ultraviolet light is most intense midday, so try to avoid exposure during these hours.
Use high-quality sunscreens, preferably with SPF (sun protection factor) ratings of at least 15. Pick a sunscreen that blocks both UBA and UVB light. Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before exposure, and reapply frequently.
Use sunscreen for winter exposure also.
Update Date: 4/15/2003 Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |