Do I Have Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis)?

Do you have rough, dry or scaly patch on your skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter?

Do you have flat to slightly raised patch on the top layer of your skin?

Do you have a patch with a hard, wart like surface?

Do you have dark, tan, pink, or red lesion or a combination of these?

Do you have lesions that are the same color as your skin?

Have you noticed multiple skin lesions?

Do you have itching or burning in the affected area, especially after being in the sun?

Have you noticed any changes in the appearance of your lesions?

Do you have a skin patch localized on your face, hands and arms, ears, scalp or legs?

Are you over 40?

Do you have light-colored skin and blue eyes?

Have you experienced frequent or severe sunburns?

Do you have a history of long hours spent outdoors for work or recreation?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is a medical condition with scaly spots on the skin as a result of long-term exposure to the sun. Anyone can develop actinic keratosis but it is more common in people with red or blond hair, and blue or light-colored eyes, and in people who tend to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight. Actinic keratosis may be an early form of skin cancer, so it is important to protect your skin from sun damage. Try to limit your time in the sun, and use sunscreen on all exposed skin.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis represents scaly patches found on sun-damaged skin. Actinic keratosis usually appears on parts of your body that are exposed to the sun such as your face, ears, scalp, neck, hands and forearms. Also, this condition can be the result of intense exposure to UV rays from tanning beds. Your skin changes need to be evaluated by a dermatologist. Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on a physical examination, and a skin biopsy.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a scaly or crusty patch that forms on your skin. Doctors call them AK’s and they are caused by long-term exposure to the sun. AK’s can be different sizes, flat or raised above your skin; they can disappear on their own and reappear later. Actinic keratosis needs to be removed because it is impossible to know which skin spot will evolve into skin cancer. AK’s can be treated with medications or removed by cryotherapy (freezing), curettage (scraping) and photodynamic therapy.