Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses usually affects older adults. Reducing sun exposure can help reduce risk.
It is most common on the face, lips, ears, back of hands, forearms, scalp and neck. The rough, scaly skin patch enlarges slowly and usually causes no other signs or symptoms. A lesion may take years to develop.
Because it can become cancerous, it’s usually removed as a precaution.
It is most common on the face, lips, ears, back of hands, forearms, scalp and neck. The rough, scaly skin patch enlarges slowly and usually causes no other signs or symptoms. A lesion may take years to develop.
People may experience:
Common symptoms: scaly patch on skin or itching.
Treatment consists of procedures
Because it can
- Preventative
Sunscreen
Protects against the sun’s UV rays, which can damage the skin over time.
Sun protective clothing
Reduces exposure to the sun’s UV rays, which can damage the skin over time.
become cancerous, it’s usually removed as a precaution.
- Medical procedure
Photodynamic therapy
Combines medications with light therapy to destroy abnormal cells or close blood vessels.
Freezing
Using extreme cold during surgery or medical treatment.
Tissue scraping
Removal of tissue by scraping or scooping with a surgical instrument called a curette.
Recent Posts
