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A precancerous skin condition caused by sun damage, leading to rough, scaly patches on areas of the skin often exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, hands and forearms.
What is it?
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin condition caused by prolonged sun exposure, or long-term exposure to ultraviolet light. It typically appears as rough, dry or scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, neck, chest, scalp, backs of hands, forearms, shoulders or lips. While AKs are not cancerous, they can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, if left untreated.
At Huntington Dermatology, our expert team specializes in identifying and treating actinic keratosis early to prevent complications, while also providing you with the tools to reduce the risk of recurrence.
How is it treated?
Treating actinic keratosis is essential to prevent potential skin cancer. We offer several effective treatments tailored to your specific needs, which may include things like topical prescription creams, cryotherapy (freezing treatment), laser therapy or photodynamic therapy.
Our experienced team will assess your skin during your exam and recommend the most suitable treatment to eliminate AKs and minimize the risk of recurrence. You can reduce your chances of developing actinic keratosis by minimizing your exposure to the sun and safeguarding your skin from UV rays. Make sure to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and restrict your time under those harmful rays.
If you’ve noticed suspicious spots or patches on your skin, don’t wait—schedule an appointment today for expert care and peace of mind.