Actinic keratosis & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly area on the skin that is frequently exposed to the sun, especially on the face, hands, arms and neck. This condition is most commonly seen in people with pale skin, blonde hair, light eyes. Actinic kerastosis is also called solar keratosis.

In most cases, actinic keratosis is not cancer. The disease is considered an “in situ” stage of a squamous cell carcinoma lesion, meaning the lesion is confined to one location and does not invade other tissues.

How common is actinic keratosis?

People who live near the equator have a high risk of getting actinic keratosis. This condition is found more in men because they tend to spend more time in the sun and do not use sunscreen as much as women do.

However, actinic keratosis can be treated by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis begins to appear as a thick, scaly, dry area of ​​skin that is usually the size of a small pencil eraser. The area may feel itchy or hot.

Over time, these lesions may disappear, enlarge, remain the same, or develop into squamous cell carcinoma. There is no way of knowing which lesions may develop into cancer.

Actinic keratosis signs and symptoms include:

• Rough, dry or scaly areas of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter
• They are flat or slightly protruding against the top layer of the skin
• In some cases, the surface is hard like a wart
• The color varies like pink, red or brown
• Feels itchy or hot in the problem area

Actinic keratosis is found mainly on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, lips, ears, hands, arms, scalp, and neck.

When to see a doctor?

It can be very difficult to tell the difference between non-cancerous spots and cancerous ones. Therefore, you should have your skin checked by a doctor - especially if a spot or lesion persists, grows, or is bleeding.

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.

Cause

What causes actinic keratosis?

There are a large number of causes of actinic keratosis, however, long-term exposure to sunlight is considered to be one of the most common causes for triggering actinic keratosis.

The disease is most common in people with pale skin, blonde hair, light eyes, starting at the age of 30 or 40 years and becoming more common with age.

Ultraviolet radiation from tanning salon lights can be even more dangerous than direct sunlight, so dermatologists warn of the dangers of indoor tanning.

Sometimes, actinic keratosis can be caused by extensive exposure to X-rays or some industrial chemicals.

Triggers

Who is at risk for actinic keratosis?

You can be at a higher risk of developing this condition if you:

• Over 60 years of age
• Living in a sunny climate
• Pale skin or blue eyes
• Has a tendency to sunburn easily
• Have a previous history of sunburn
• Has been frequently exposed to sunlight throughout life
• Having the human papilloma virus (HPV)
• Have a weakened immune system as a result of chemotherapy, leukemia, AIDS or organ transplant drugs

Diagnosis

How is actinic keratosis diagnosed?

Your doctor will likely be able to determine if you have actinic keratosis simply by examining your skin with a bright light or a magnifying lens to check for skin growths, moles, or lesions. If there is any doubt, the doctor can order other tests, such as a skin biopsy.

During a skin biopsy, your doctor will take a small sample of your skin for analysis in the lab. A biopsy can usually be done in the doctor's office after a numbing injection.

Even after treatment for actinic keratosis, your doctor may recommend that you get your skin checked at least once a year to check for signs of cancer.

Treatment

The information below cannot be used as a substitute for a medical consultation. ALWAYS consult your doctor for information about medications.

What are the treatments for actinic keratosis?

Almost all actinic keratosis can be eliminated if treated early before it becomes skin cancer. A variety of treatment options are available, depending on the characteristics of the skin growth and the patient's age and health. Some of these strategies increase sun sensitivity, so consult a doctor, and strictly adhere to sunscreen use during the treatment period.

Common treatments include the following:

Freezing skin growth with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery)

Cryosurgery (also called cryotherapy) can cause mild pain that can last up to 3 days. Healing usually takes 7 to 14 days. Also, there is little or no scarring, although some people with dark skin have lighter skin tones. This procedure can be done in the doctor's office.

Scrape and use an electric current (curretage & electrosurgery)

The skin is numbed, and the growth of the skin is scraped off using a spoon-shaped tool (curette). After scraping, electro can be done to control the bleeding and destroy the remaining abnormal cells.

Curettage is a quick treatment, but it can cause scarring. Sometimes thick sores, or keloids, appear after curettage treatment. Keloids can itch or grow larger over time but do not require medical treatment.

Shaving skin growths with a scalpel (shave excision)

This is done to remove the skin growth and check it for basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Healing usually takes 7 to 14 days. There may be scars and discoloration (pigment) on your skin.

Exfoliating the skin using chemicals (chemical peel)

This is done so that new skin can grow and replace the damaged skin.

Laser reshaping of skin (laser resurfacing)

An intense beam of light from a laser (such as a carbon dioxide or CO2 laser) is used to destroy the top layer of skin. As the treated area heals, new skin grows to replace the damaged skin.

Treat the skin with medicines that are applied to the skin

Using drugs such as fluorouracil, imiquimod, ingenolmebutate, and diclofenac.

Using drugs and light to kill cells (photodynamic therapy aka PDT)

PDT uses drugs, such as aminolevulinic acid (ALA), which are applied to the skin and then activated by light. The light causes the drug to destroy actinic keratosis.

Prevention

What can be done to prevent actinic keratosis?

The best way to prevent actinic keratosis is to protect yourself from the sun. Here are some sun-safe habits that are very useful:

• Look for a shaded area, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Don't get sunburnt
• Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds
• Protect yourself with clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking glasses
• Use a broad spectrum (UVA / UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and above every day. For long-lasting outdoor activities, use a broad spectrum (UVA / UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above.
• Apply 2 teaspoons of sunscreen all over your body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreen can be used on babies over 6 months of age
• Check your skin from head to toe every month
• Check with your doctor every year for a professional skin exam

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.