What is actinic keratosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
January 2, 2025

Actinic keratosis (AK), or solar keratosis, is a common skin condition marked by rough, scaly patches caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. These lesions typically affect people over the age of 40 and develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, and hands. Even though AK is not lethal, it is classified as precancerous and has a 5-10% probability of progressing to squamous cell carcinoma if not treated. Protecting the skin from UV radiation is one preventive measure, and early detection and treatment are critical for avoiding issues.
Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common type of skin precancer. The primary cause is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds. Even short-term, repeated exposure can lead to skin damage.
People who are at higher risk include:
- Individuals with blue, green, or grey eyes, fair skin, and red or blonde hair.
- Those who have already endured severe or frequent sunburns.
- Senior citizens.
- People with impaired immune systems due to diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or organ transplants.
- Individuals with rare UV-sensitive illnesses, such as xeroderma pigmentosum or albinism.
Although everyone exposed to UV radiation without sufficient protection can develop AK, the risk can be reduced by using sunscreen and protective clothing.
Causes
The primary cause of actinic keratosis is repeated or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from tanning beds or the sun. Rough, precancerous patches are caused by UV radiation damage to keratinocytes, the skin’s outermost cells.
Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis
AK’s earliest signs are typically rough, raised pimples on sun-exposed areas of the face, scalp, neck, hands, forearms, and lips. Essential qualities include:
- Texture: Scaly, dry, or rough regions that are usually smaller than 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Red, brown, pink, grey, or the same colour as the skin, sometimes with a brown or yellow crust.
- Patches that are flat to slightly raised and resemble horns or warts.
- Additional symptoms may include burning, itching, pain, crusting, or bleeding.
- Lip symptoms: Actinic cheilitis symptoms may include dryness, colour loss, scaly patches, or cracking.
Lesions grow progressively over time In areas that are often exposed to UV light, People typically get several sore or prickly sores. Early detection and treatment are necessary to prevent the development of skin cancer.
Treatment and Prevention
Actinic Keratosis have several treatment options including Chemical peels, excision (surgical removal), photodynamic treatment (light therapy), and cryotherapy (freezing). All these treatments are effective for Actinic Keratosis lesions. Less severe cases of Actinic Keratosis can be treated at home. It can be treated with creams containing diclofenac gel, imiquimod, or fluorouracil.
Prevention
- Avoid the sun as much as possible, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply frequently.
- Put on sunglasses, caps, and protective gear.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Check your skin periodically for new or changing growths, and get medical attention if necessary.
The majority of Actinic Keratosis is curable and treatable, but regular skin examinations are required to prevent recurrence and the development of malignancy.
Conclusion
Actinic keratosis is a prevalent but preventable skin disease that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prolonged sun exposure. Although it is not life-threatening right away, the chance that it will advance to skin cancer highlights the significance of remaining attentive. You can significantly reduce your risk by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds. If you see any unusual or persistent changes in your skin, seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure timely treatment and better results. You can protect your skin’s health and lower the risk of actinic keratosis by focusing on prevention and routine skin exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How long does it take for actinic keratosis to go away?
Actinic keratoses (AKs) might take up to three months to resolve following therapy, depending on their size and quantity. Once the AKs have subsided, you will need to visit your doctor once or twice a year for a checkup. If you have a weakened immune system and are more vulnerable to AKs, you may need to see your dermatologist four to six times per year.
2.What is the outlook for people with actinic keratosis?
The majority of actinic keratoses (AKs) are treated and vanish. Skin cancer does not develop in around 90% of patients with actinic keratosis. However, AKs were the primary diagnosis in the vast majority of squamous cell carcinoma cases. If you suspect an AK, you must consult your healthcare practitioner right away.
3.Does actinic keratosis return after treatment?
Actinic Keratosis can return after treatment if Sun exposure is not managed.
4.When should I see my healthcare provider?
Immediate treatment of actinic keratosis lowers the risk of skin cancer. You should notify your doctor if you notice:
- Skin that is itchy, stinging, blistering, or bleeding.
- Horn-like growths.
- patches of rough, raised, or red skin.