Actinic keratoses are some of the most common skin growths that Dr. Bahr sees. They are also are called “solar keratoses" because they are develop after years of exposure to the sun. Like skin cancer, they develop when UV light damages skin cells, causing the skin to become rough and scaly. Actinic Keratoses are considered precancerous because they can develop into a skin cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Dr. Bahr identifies Actinic Keratoses by their dry, scaly, crusted, or rough appearance and texture. Actinic Keratoses can emerge as a single lesion, but also in large groups, covering large areas of skin. Actinic keratoses may range from the size of a pinhead to several centimeters.
Sometimes an Actinic Keratosis grows rapidly upward becoming a growth that resembles a "horn." This is called a "cutaneous horn." They vary in size from <1 to 3 mm. Dr. Bahr frequently sees these on the face and the hands.
Patients may notice that their Actinic Keratoses disappear for weeks or months and then return. For this reason, it is important to treat AK's when you notice them. Left untreated, the damaged, precancerous cells can continue to grow into skin cancer.
Individuals with one or more of the following traits are most likely to develop Actinic Keratoses:
Actinic Keratoses develop on areas of the body that have seen the most sun. These include the scalp, forehead, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands, and lower legs.
Actinic Keratoses are also found on the border of the lip, appearing as a grey or white scaly patch. An AK on the lip is known as “actinic cheilitis."
Dr. Bahr recommends one of the following treatments based on location, severity, type, and personal preference.
The best way to prevent Actinic Keratoses is to protect yourself from harmful UV light. Here are some useful tips: