Actinic Keratosis
Medical Author:
Alan Rockoff, M.D.
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel, MD, FACP, FACR
What is an actinic keratosis?
An actinic keratosis (AK), also known as a solar
keratosis, is a small, rough spot occurring on skin that has been chronically exposed to the sun. Actinic
keratoses generally measure in size between 2 to 6 millimeters in diameter
(between the size of a pencil point to that of an eraser). They are usually
reddish in color and often have a white scale on top.
In addition to feeling rough, actinic keratoses may feel sore or painful when
fingers or clothing rub against them.
Who is at risk for an actinic keratosis?
Those who develop actinic keratoses tend to be fair-skinned people who have
spent a lot of time outdoors at work or at play over the course of many years.
Their skin often becomes wrinkled, mottled, and discolored from sun exposure.
Where on the body do actinic keratoses typically occur?
Common locations
for actinic keratoses are the face, scalp, back of the neck,
upper chest, as well as the tops of the hands and forearms. Men are more likely
to develop AKs on top of the ears, whereas women's hairstyles often protect this
area.
What is the significance of an actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratoses are
precancerous (premalignant), which means they can develop into skin cancer. However, relatively few of them actually become cancers,
a process that typically takes years. When a malignant change does occur, the cancer is called a squamous cell carcinoma.
When patients are diagnosed with this condition, they often say: " But I
never go out in the sun!" The explanation is that it takes many years or
even decades for these keratoses to develop. Typically, the predisposing sun
exposure may have occurred many years ago. Short periods of sun exposure do not
generally either produce AKs or transform them into skin cancers.
Next: How is an actinic keratosis diagnosed? »
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