Sun Damage/Aktinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis or Solar Keratosis are small, red, rough, scaly skin areas that feel like dry patches.  They are common on sun-exposed areas, such as head, face, chest, forearms, and hands.  Actinic Keratosis is most common in older adults, and the risk of it becoming cancerous is 5% to 10%.

There are several types of treatment for Actinic Keratoses. The decision how to treat is based on the nature of the lesion, and the age and health of the patient.  There are several treatment options for AKs, including cryosurgery (freezing), surgical excision, curettage (scraping) with or without electrosurgery (heat generated by an electric current), and topical (applied to the skin) medications.  Lasers, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and photodynamic therapy may also be used.

Actinic Keratosis needs to be treated to prevent its from converting to squamous cell carcinoma.  This avoids the potentially more invasive and extensive treatment of a subsequent malignancy. Regular follow-up visits are needed.

Daily use of sunblocks with a SPF of 30 or higher (preferably with zinc oxide), sunglasses, hats, shirts with sleeves and avoiding exposure to sun or tanning beds may prevent the formation of Aktinic Keratosis.