Actinic Keratosis Symptoms & Causes

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Treatments

Conditions

The symptoms

Rough bumps or scaly skin

The patches feel rough to the touch, as if coated with sandpaper.

Color changes

The specks can run red, pink or beige, and occasionally the same color as your skin.

Raised bumps

Little patches can get a little raised or thickened.

Itching or tenderness

The patches might feel itchy, sore, or sensitive to touch

Flaking or peeling

The surface of the spots may peel off, or crust over.

When to see a doctor?

Skin Care Solutions

How is actinic keratosis diagnosed?

If you see rough patches that change, becoming itchy or flaking, consult a doctor. A specialist team at Harley Street Skin Clinic offers options to remove actinic keratosis. We find ways to diagnose diseases of skin and treat the symptoms of your skin with the best therapies available through our board-certified dermatologists.

Advised treatments

Photodynamic-therapy

Skin Treatment

Chemical-peels

Face Treatment

The causes

What is the main cause of actinic keratosis?

Excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, mostly from sun, is associated with almost all actinic keratoses (AK). But these rays can damage skin over years of repeated exposure, leading to rough, scaly spots.

The risk factors

What puts you at risk for actinic keratosis?

Fair skin: People with light skin, eyes, and blond or red hair, are at greater risk for further sun damage.
Age: The risk increases with age, not least if you have spent years in the sun.
Excessive sun exposure: Spending a lot of time without sunscreen outdoors increases your risk.
Hot and sunny climate: So your skin is a lot more susceptible if you live in a very sunny climate.
Weak immune system: You are more at risk if your immune system is suppressed by illness or medication.

The complications

Early Action Saves"

Is it capable of turning into skin cancer?

If left untreated, most actinic keratoses can lead to skin cancer. A few of those spots can progress to become squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common types of skin cancer. It can be a manageable form of skin cancer if treated early, but problematic if not.

The prevention

Shield With Sunscreen

Why is sunscreen important for preventing actinic keratosis?

Apply sunscreen for skin protection against UltraViolet rays that lead to skin disorders and diseases. So the broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 is best. That save you from both UVA and UVB light which can cause damage, and damage can bring about skin problems such as actinic keratosis.

How often should I have to put on sunblock?

You have to do it every two hours with sunscreen, particularly, after swimming or sweating Ultraviolet rays do damage on sunny days but also on cloudy days. Re-applying throughout the day helps keep your skin protected from the sun beams and consequently avoid sun related skin issues.

Limit Sun Risks

Does reduced sun exposure prevent actinic keratosis?

Frequent exposure to the sun is a risk factor for actinic keratosis. Limiting direct sun exposure especially during high risk hours between 10am to 4pm lowers your risk of developing sun damaged skin.

Stay indoors when it’s sunny.

During peak hours for blazing sun, it’s better to stay in the shade or better yet, indoors, if possible. If you are outside though, avoid the direct sun as much as you can, and cover your skin to protect it from the sun’s dangerous rays.

Cover For Protection

What kind of clothing offers the best protection?

When your skin is covered by clothing, it’s easy to protect it from the sun. Select tightly woven fabric long sleeved shirts, pants and hats, which can help prevent UV rays from passing through. It protects in case of damage to the skin and minimizes the risks of getting actinic keratosis.

Use hats and sunglasses.

Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses protect the sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, bald scalp and eyes, too. They offer just a little extra UV protection to further shield your skin against harmful sun exposure.

Safe Glow Choices

Why are tanning beds harmful to your skin?

Tanning beds expose the skin with concentrated ultraviolet (UV) light, weakening and damaging skin that puts you also at greater risk for an actinic keratosis and other conditions. The ultraviolet-light exposure can damage your skin’s cells and cause long-term skin problems, including precancerous lesions.

Alternatives to tanning beds.

Avoid going to tanning salons. Alternatively, go for lotions or sprays that self-tan. These products deliver a golden glow and it is a safer way to tan, with your chances of skin damage not rising.

Spot Changes Early

Why are skin checks key to prevention?

Skin checks are also a means of detecting any skin changes as early as possible. Watch for new or unusual places that will identify actinic keratosis before it develops into something more serious.

Examine your skin regularly.

You have to examine your skin for changes. Look out for skin growths, bumps of different colours or any change in size of the moles you already have. Schedule a visit with our primary care provider to know how actinic keratosis treated by a professional healthcare provider, and to ensure you catch any at first sign of trouble.