Actinic Keratosis
What is Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis is formed from years of exposure to the sun. It is rough, crusty, and scaly looking, and is commonly found on the face, ears, lips, forearms, scalp, neck, and back of the hands. Some also refer to it as solar keratosis. It starts off slowly, and takes years to develop. It will often first appear as a small spot on the skin. Since it takes years to develop, it is usually only seen in older adults. The signs that one may have actinic keratosis are a dry, rough, scaly patch on the skin that is usually less than an inch in diameter. It could have a wart like surface, and is flat to slightly raised on the skin. It might itch or burn, and will be colored pink, brown, red or flesh colored. One is more likely to develop actinic keratosis if they are over the age of 40, freckle or tend to burn in the sun, has pale skin, has red or blonde hair, has blue or light colored eyes, lives in a climate that is sunny, or has a weak immune system due to AIDS, chronic leukemia, organ transplant medications, or chemotherapy. If one suspects they do have actinic keratosis, they should have the area checked out by a dermatologist before skin cancer develops. If not treated right away, the actinic keratosis could develop into squamous cell carcinoma, which is treatable if caught right away. If left untreated, one has a 20% risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
How to prevent Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis can be prevented. Sunscreen should always be worn, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours. Limit your time in the sun and always make sure your SPF is at least 30. Avoid the sun during the noon hours when the UV rays are the most powerful. Wear hats and sunglasses, and long light sleeved clothing. Do not use tanning beds or booths, as they do cause actinic keratosis.
Actinic Keratosis Treatment
A doctor will usually just examine the area to determine if actinic keratosis is present. However, in some cases biopsies or other testing may be done. With a biopsy, a small segment of skin will be collected from the area after numbing it. It will be sent to a lab to be examined. Within a week one should have the results.
There are several medications that can be prescribed for actinic keratosis. Those include any of the following:
- Diclofenac gel
- Ingenol mebutate gel
- Imiquimod cream
- Fluorouracil cream
In some cases, the dermatologist might recommend therapy be used on the effected area. Using photodynamic therapy, medication is applied to the skin to damage the skin cells that are sensitive to light. The skin will be exposed to laser light that is intense so it kills the damaged skin cells. Redness, swelling, or burning could take place during this treatment.
Cryotherapy can also be used for actinic keratosis. A substance will be applied to the skin that is extremely cold. The skin surface will then freeze, which will cause the skin to peel and blister. The skin will heal over time, causing the lesions to slough away. The therapy is relatively common and quick and easy to do. There may be blistering of the skin, scarring, changes in the texture of the skin, darkening of the skin, and infection.
Check your skin regularly for signs of damage. If something does not appear right to you, or it is bothersome, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Look for new growths on the skin, or moles that have changed in size or colors. One should also check birthmarks, bumps and freckles.
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I wonder about my lips. For years I figured it was just dry lips. Now I wonder if indeed I do have actinic keratosis? How can one tell is they have it on the lips? Lips are scaly? Does anything one puts on the lips make it look or feel better? Or what are the symptoms of the lips…do they hurt? I looked up actinic keratosis pictures but I was unable to find any relating to lips. I have tried lip balms, Vaseline, and carmex on my lips and it just does not help any at all!
I am really interested in learning more about actinic keratosis. I am scared that I will end up with it and then get skin cancer. I am very fair in coloring and tend to burn very easily. Over the course of my younger years, I have burned more than I can count on my fingers. And the sad thing is even if I wear sunscreen, I still burn! I do not have any scaly patches on my body, and do not seem to have this ailment, but I still want to protect myself all the same.
I have a question about the sun screen when applying it for actinic keratosis. It states an SPF of at least 30. I once read that anything over 50 does not matter for sunscreen as it will not protect you any better. Is this true? I have been applying 70 to my face. Should I keep doing this or do you feel that the extra SPF is hurting me? Or why bother paying more for a higher SPF when it is not going to pay off anyways?
Actinic Keratosis is something that I am very familiar with. I was diagnosed with it a few years back. My doctor just examined my skin at my appointment, and then referred me on to my dermatologist, who offered to do photodynamic therapy on me. It worked. I was treated for actinic keratosis. I had some slight swelling and redness, but nothing that I could not handle.
I check my skin each and every month for any changes in it. I am always leary of skin cancer and now actinic keratosis. My father had it and I know the issues that he went through. I don’t want my skin to have to go through that. So I make it a point to look for any patches on my skin that are scaly, or for new growths. I look in all places on my skin as well. This is a good way to prevent it from happening as if you are on top of it, you can get it treated much quicker.