Actinic Keratosis

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a rough, scaly skin patch caused by long-term sun exposure. It is considered a precancerous lesion because, if untreated, it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — a type of skin cancer.

What are the Causes of Actinic Keratosis?

• Chronic UV radiation (from the sun or tanning beds).
• Cumulative sun damage over years.
• Fair skin types (Fitzpatrick I–II: pale skin, burns easily).
• Older age (risk increases after 40).
• Weakened immune system (e.g., organ transplant patients).
• Living in sunny or high UV regions.

What are the Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis?

Rough, dry, or scaly patches on sun-exposed areas (face, scalp, ears, lips, arms, hands).

Lesions may be:

• Pink, red, or brown in colour.
• Flat or slightly raised.
• Itchy, tender, or burning at times.
• Multiple lesions often appear together.
• May feel like sandpaper to the touch.
• Sometimes difficult to see but easy to feel.

What are the best Treatments for Actinic Keratosis?

1. In-clinic Procedures

• Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen) → freezes and destroys the lesion.
• Curettage & electrocautery → scraping and burning off the lesion.
• Laser therapy → destroys abnormal cells.
• Surgical excision → if cancerous change is suspected.

 To discuss the best treatment option for your actinic keratosis please book a Dermatology Consultation 

2. Topical Treatments (for multiple lesions or field treatment):

• 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream → destroys abnormal cells.
• Imiquimod cream → stimulates the immune system to fight abnormal cells.
• Diclofenac gel → anti-inflammatory effect.
• Ingenol mebutate gel (less commonly used).

Your practitioner may prescribe one of the above during your dermatology consultation

3. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):

Light-sensitive medication applied to skin, then activated with light to destroy abnormal cells.

How to prevent Actinic Keratosis:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ daily 
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Regular skin checks (self-exams + dermatologist visits).
• Early treatment of AKs to prevent progression to skin cancer.

If you would like to find out more about this condition, you can visit here

FAQs

Q1. Is actinic keratosis cancer?
Not yet. It’s a precancerous lesion, but a small percentage can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

Q2. Who is most at risk?
Fair-skinned individuals with long-term sun exposure, especially over age 40.

Q3. How serious is it?
Most AKs remain stable or disappear, but since some turn into skin cancer, treatment is recommended.

Q4. Can actinic keratosis go away on its own?
Sometimes, but it may recur. Medical treatment reduces the risk of cancer.

Q5. How can I tell if my AK is becoming cancerous?
Warning signs include rapid growth, bleeding, ulceration, or pain — see a dermatologist immediately.