Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No
Skip to main content

Warning Signs of Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses, which are also called solar keratoses, are small, red, scaly, rough skin patches. They typically are found on parts of the body that have been exposed to the sun like the face, ears, chest, arms and backs of the hands, and they can develop into skin cancer.

About ten percent of actinic keratoses develop into skin cancer with squamous cell cancer being the most common type. A few actinic keratoses can develop into basal cell cancer.

Actinic keratoses can take a variety of forms. Some can be cutaneous horns in which the skin is raised and thick and resembles small horns.

Actinic cheilitis is a form typically found on the lower lip. In this condition, the skin is scaly, dry and may be cracked. It can develop into an aggressive form of squamous cell carcinoma if it isn’t treated.

Who is most likely to develop actinic keratoses?

Fair-skinned people who spend a lot of time outdoors are the most likely to develop actinic keratoses. They are most common in people who live in equatorial regions.

Men are more likely to develop them than are women because they generally spend more time outdoors than do women. They also tend to use less protection than women do.

What causes actinic keratoses?

Actinic keratoses are caused by prolonged and chronic exposure to the sun. Since the damage caused by the sun is cumulative, even a brief time in the sun is harmful.

The total amount of time spent in the sun builds up over the years, so actinic keratoses are usually seen in people who are over 50 years old, but younger people can develop them, too.

Regardless of the weather, people who go outdoors will be exposed to the sun in some way. 70 to 80 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays can pass through clouds so cloudy days aren’t safe.

UV rays also bounce off reflective surfaces like snow or sand which increases people’s exposure to them.

The lamps in tanning salons can produce UV rays that are even more intense than those produced by the sun. Consequently, indoor tanning can also cause actinic keratoses. Occasionally, they can also be caused by extensive exposure to industrial chemicals or to X-rays.

People with compromised immune systems are less able to fight off the radiation that can cause actinic keratoses.

For more information, contact the Center for Dermatology today to make your appointment.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Telehealth: The Advantages of Telemedicine

Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.

How Do I Prepare for Mole Removal?

Moles, also known as nevi, can be removed for a variety of reasons and with a variety of different methods. The three most common methods for removing moles include a minimally invasive medical procedure,...

How Long After Tattoo Removal Do You See Results?

Some 10 million Americans have at least one tattoo on their body, and many have more than one. However, a decision that may have once been a mark of pride or individuality can one day become a cause of regret...

Skin Tag Removal FAQs: Will My Skin Tag Grow Back?

Skin tags are benign, flesh-colored skin growths that seen most often on the eyelids, neck, chest, back, underarms, or other areas with body folds. Skin tags usually bulge from the skin’s surface by a narrow looking stalk. They are unsightly and can cause

How Does Botox Work?

Wrinkles and fine lines are part of the aging process, but they don’t have to distract your eye each time you look in the mirror...

When to Consider Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags are small benign tumors that develop on the skin. They are most common on people who are middle-aged or older, and they are equally likely to affect men and women...