Actinic keratosis can be identified by the bumps or patches that can be seen elevated and flattened on the skin with think, crusty, or scaly surface. It can also be called solar keratosis and senile keratosis. It is commonly known as sun spot or precancerous spot. The shortened term for this is “AK.” Its measure ranges from that of a pinhead up to more than an inch across. It can be seen as light or dark, or any of red, tan and pink.
Touching the actinic keratosis can confirm its development rather than merely seeing it. The surface or the crust is horn-like, dry and rough. A resisting sharp pain can be sensed most of the time. An individual can experience itchiness most especially after being exposed in the sun. Body parts that are most of the time exposed to the sun are where actinic keratoses may display in clusters. These common areas are face, bald scalp, ears, backs of hands, neck, lips, and forearms.
Considering that it may be a sign of skin cancer development, this condition is said to be dangerous. Skin cancer is usually not threatening to one’s life as long as this is detected right away and treated right before it develops. Without appropriate medical attention, actinic keratoses are most likely to grow bigger and invade the surrounding tissues as the infection worsens.
Damage coming from the sun to the skin can be accumulated over time. One thing to consider is the bouncing off of ultraviolet on reflective surfaces. Those who have fair skins are most likely to have this kind of skin condition. Moreover, People who have red or blonde hair, and those who have blue, green, or gray eyes are responsive to this condition. This is so because they have lesser pigments that protect their skins that are repulsive to sunburn. Dark-colored skins may likewise be affected by this condition.
Many kinds of treatments can be pondered over for the treatment of actinic keratosis. Nevertheless, not all actinic keratosis necessitates removal. One of the most utilized treatment for this is cryosurgery. By means of liquid nitrogen application, lesions are frozen off. An applicator with a cotton tip or a specially-made spraying device is applied for this matter.
Topical cream is medicated to a patient who have several lesions. Chemical peels may also be used or the method called curettage where the lesion is scraped.
For more information about this skin condition, it is recommended that you go for assistance from dermatologists.
