If you’ve spent way too much time in the sun or tanning beds, you may be familiar with those red, scaly patches that crop up on your skin from time to time. They are called solar keratosis or actinic keratosis and are not a good sign.
They occur due to ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun. These rough patches on the skin indicate the damage to skin cells that can lead to skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.
Common Symptoms
This disease lesions can look like scaly, rough, and scurfy patches on the skin. It appears typically on skin areas that are more exposed to the Sun, such as the scalp, face, shoulders, ears, and hands. These wounds may differ in color, from skin complexion to red, pink, or brown, etc. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Rough, Scaly Patches: The most noticeable symptom is the presence of rough, scaly patches on the skin that may feel rough or gritty to the touch.
- Dry or Cracked Appearance: The lesions often appear dry, cracked, or flaky, resembling sandpaper or a rough surface.
- Discoloration: In people affected with this condition, the lesions may look red, pink, or brown colored patches depending upon skin complexion and level of severity.
- Itching or Tenderness: Actinic keratosis-affected people may feel tenderness, burning, or itching depending on skin tone and severity.
- Bleeding or Crusting: When the wounds become traumatized and irritated then they may cause bleeding or may grow scurfy appearance.
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When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if your actinic keratosis lesions are not healing, worsening, or new ones are appearing. Changes in size, color, or shape, such as rapid growth, darkening, bleeding, or crusting, should prompt a medical consultation. Tender, painful, burning, or itching lesions also need medical attention. People with a history of skin cancer, use of tanning beds, and weak immune systems should consult a dermatologist. Regular check-ups are vital for those at higher risk of skin cancer. Fitwell Hub offers expert medical consultations for personalized treatment plans. Learn more about our services.
Causes
It usually results from chronic exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from man-made sources such as tanning beds or the Sun. UV rays harm the skin cell’s DNA which can cause genetic variations. These genetic variations are the reasons for uncontrolled cell growth and precancerous lesions. Below are the risk factors for developing :
- Fair Skin Tone: Melanin levels are lower in people with fair skin tones, making them more victims of actinic keratosis. Melanin is a pigment that can naturally protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Spending more time in the Sun, mostly during the busiest time such as 10 am to 4 pm will increase the development risk of this disease.
- Tanning Bed Use: Tanning beds release intensive UV radiation that can progress the growth of actinic keratosis or other skin diseases.
- Age: As people age, the risk of disease development also increases because of the growing effect of UV radiation exposure, and damage to DNA may accumulate over time.
- Weakened Immune System: People who are going through organ transplant receiver or chemotherapy are immunocompromised (people with compromised immune systems). They are more prone to the risk of this condition development.
1- Causes of Actinic Keratosis on the Face
Causes for actinic keratosis are the same on the face as occur in other parts of the body. The causes are excessive exposure of the face to UV radiation coming from tanning beds or the sun. However, some other factors that can increase the risk of getting actinic keratosis on the face are:
- Occupational Exposure: There is a higher risk for those who work outside such as landscapers, sports professionals, and construction workers because of higher exposure to the sun.
- Recreational Activities: This condition may develop on the face when one fails to take care while participating in outdoor games such as boating, golfing, or hiking.
- Tanning Bed Use: Tanning beds release intensive UV radiation that can progress the growth of actinic keratosis on the face and other exposed areas.
2- Causes of Actinic Keratosis on Forehead
Frequent exposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays makes the forehead a common place for lesions. Acting like in other parts of the body, the causes for actinic keratosis on the forehead are mainly long-term UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. However, some of the main causes are:
Hairline & Balding: People receding bald spots and hairlines on the forehead may result in more sun exposure leading to an increased likelihood of developing this condition.
Outdoor Activities: When a person engages in outside activities without complete sun protection such as applying sunscreen or wearing a hat can develop actinic keratosis on the forehead.
Occupational Exposure: There is a higher risk for those who work outside such as builders, sportsmen, gardeners, and construction workers because of higher exposure to the sun.
Preventions
Because a major cause of actinic keratosis is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, it is important to practice sun safety and use proper skin protection measures. The following are essential tips for preventing the disease:
1- Seek Shade:
When possible, shade yourself from the sun, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM, considered as peak hours for the strongest UV rays emission.
2- Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen:
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or more, generously on all exposed areas of your body like your scalp, lips, and ears amongst other frequent places. If you go swimming or sweat often, reapply the sunscreen after a period of not exceeding two hours.
3- Wear Protective Clothing:
Put on long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses, lightweight hats, and pants which serve as an additional shield against exposure to UV radiation.
4- Perform Regular Skin Self-Exams:
Conduct regular self-checks on any skin-related changes, and in case you detect anything suspicious about your skin call upon a dermatologist expert right away.
5- Avoid Tanning Beds:
Solariums produce intense concentrated amounts of UV radiation, which greatly increases the chances of developing actinic keratosis and other forms of skin damage caused by such radiation including skin cancer.
6- Seek Professional Evaluations:
Schedule routine screenings for skin cancers with a dermatologist if you have ever suffered from actinic keratosis or any other kinds of skin conditions.
Complications
Some actinic keratosis may go away spontaneously, but generally, it is not advisable to be left untreated. Here are a few complications that can occur:
| Key Factor | Description |
| Unpredictable Behavior | The behavior of actinic keratosis lesions can be unpredictable. Some may vanish naturally, while others may lead to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. |
| Risk of Progression | Untreated actinic keratosis lesions may lead to pre-cancerous conditions. These abnormal skin cells could develop into skin cancer if not addressed promptly. |
| Recurrence | Even after appearing cured, there is a risk of recurrence in the same area due to underlying cellular changes and sun damage. |
| Difficulty in Self-Diagnosis | It can be difficult for individuals to diagnose actinic keratosis on their own as its symptoms resemble other skin conditions or early stages of cancer. |
Dermoscopy & Other Methods
There are different methods used to diagnose such as dermoscopy. Dermatologists play a vital role in recognizing and differentiating it from other skin issues. Dermoscopy is also called chemiluminescence microscopy or dermatoscopy. This is an intrusive technique that involves the use of a handheld device known as a dermoscope. This device enlarges and lights up the skin surface. With the help of this, the dermatologist observes detailed structures and patterns that can not be seen with the naked eye. Dermatologists may inspect the specific features that are related to actinic keratosis when dermoscopic examination is performed such as:
- Follicular plugging: The presence of obstructed or clogged hair follicles inside the lesion.
- Pigment irregularities: Variations in color or pigmentation inside the lesion.
- Keratin masses or horns: Bulging or Thickened keratin areas which is a protein present in the skin’s outer layer.
- Irregular vascular patterns: Vesscular patterns become unorganized or abnormal inside the lesion.
Treatment Options for Actinic keratosis
Different treatment options are available to cure actinic keratosis. The treatment plan is chosen based on medical history, personal preferences, and the location or number of lesions. Some of the treatment options are:
1- Cryotherapy (Freezing):
In this treatment, liquid nitrogen is applied to destroy and freeze the abrupt or abnormal cells. It is the most commonly used treatment approach to cure actinic keratosis. The cryotherapy technique can be done during office timings.
2- Topical Medications:
Medications such as imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and ingenol mebutate present in prescription gels or creams can cure lesions by applying them directly. These medications promote the demolition of abrupt or abnormal cells and stimulate the immune system.
3- Chemical Peels:
Certain chemical solutions, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), can remove the outer layers and reduce the appearance of lesions, by applying them on the skin.
4- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
Photodynamic therapy is a type of light-sensitive medication that is applied to areas affected by actinic keratosis. After that affected area is passed through the light of a specific wavelength. The medication and light combination will damage the abrupt or abnormal skin cells.
5- Surgical Removal:
The doctor may recommend surgical curettage (scraping) or excision, especially for persistent or larger actinic keratosis lesions. With this treatment, affected areas will be removed.
6- Laser Therapy:
Different laser therapy treatments such as pulsed dye or carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers will destroy and target the abrupt or abnormal skin cells in affected areas.
Check Also: Acne Symptoms & Treatment
Removing Actinic Keratosis at Home
Although professional medication helps treat this condition. Some people may also use over-the-counter or home remedies as a treatment for actinic keratosis.
However, it is important to experience caution and also consult with your dermatologist before trying any home remedies. It may lead to other potential complications because of misdiagnosis or improper use. Some of the precautions and tips to treat actinic keratosis at home are:
Over-the-counter Treatments:
In this approach, over-the-counter products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or salicylic acid can moderate conditions of actinic keratosis. However, it can be risky so it is necessary to follow your dermatologist’s instructions very carefully and stop the use if you feel worsening or irritation in lesions.
Natural Remedies:
Some people may use natural remedies such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, or aloe vera because of their skin healing characteristics. However, limited scientific proof supports their effective use in treating actinic keratosis, and some of the natural products may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Sun Protection:
Despite the treatment option, it’s important to ensure sun safety. It involves wearing sun-protective clothing or broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher and getting shade during the sun’s peak hours. Continuous exposure to the sun can worsen actinic keratosis and may lead to an increase in the risk of skin cancer.
Monitoring and Follow-up:
If the actinic keratosis lesions become concerning or worse and no improvement appears after applying home remedies, then it is important to seek medical consultation and closely monitor these lesions.
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Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s)
Actinic keratosis treatment involves topical medications, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, chemical peels, or surgical removal.
Actinic keratosis looks like rough, scaly patches or raised bruises, resulting from chronic exposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from man-made sources such as tanning beds or the Sun.
Removal of actinic keratosis involves topical medications, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, laser therapy, chemical peels, or surgical removal.
Medications such as imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and ingenol mebutate present in prescription gels or creams can help to cure lesions by applying them directly
The most effective treatment for actinic keratosis may vary with conditions but some of them are cryotherapy and topical medications.
