Actinic Keratosis

Definition

The Actinic keratoses disease mostly affects skin of face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp and neck. Actinic keratoses are dry, scaly, rough-textured patches or bump or lesions forms on the outermost layer of the skin because of large time exposure to ultraviolet light, such as sunlight. These lesions typically range in color from skin-toned to reddish brown and in size from as small as a pinhead to an inch across.

Fair-skinned people who frequently exposed to the sun are more prone to this disease as their pigment isn't very protective.The disease may be the first step in the development of skin cancer and is generally considered as precancerous condition of the skin.The presence of this disease strongly indicates that any kind of cancer can develop.

Causes of Actinic Keratosis

The possible causes of actinic keratosis may includes:-

• Genetics and sun exposure are the main cause of the disease. Years of sun exposure cause skin cells to change in size, shape, and the way they are organized resulting in the disease.
• A person with a weak immune system is more prone to the disease.
• The disease may be caused by extensive exposure to x-rays.
• Extensive exposure to specific industrial chemicals such as arsenic may also cause actinic keratosis .
• Ionizing radiation such as radiotherapy may also increase of skin cancers.
• Mostly seen in pale-skinned, fair-haired, light-eyed people due to their sensitivity to the sunlight.

Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis

The most important symptoms of actinic keratosis are as:-

• Patches generally range in size from 1 to 3 mm or may be larger then it's range.
• Red skin may be present around the patches.
• There is the chances of several patches close together.
• Skin growth or the bumps may get harden and become gritty.
• Scaly patches vary from flat to slightly raised skin on the top layer of your skin .
• Skin lesion may be rough and dry textured.
• There may be chances of Itching, burning, or stinging.
• Lesions ranging in color from pink to red to brown, or flesh-colored.

Treatment of Actinic Keratosis

The treatment is provided after considering the following factors:

• Experience and training of the physician.
• Changes in a lesion that may indicate malignancy.
• The location,type and extent of the lesions.
• Patient preference.
• Success of previous treatment.

The treatment can be done which involve following courses and medication:

• Lasers, chemical peels,chemotherapy creams and dermabrasion.
• Surgical removal :the lesions can be removed by surgery.
• Electrodessication :heat generated by an electric current can also be used to cure actinic keratosis.
• Photo dynamic therapy:In this medicines are applied topically followed by a special light.
• Patient administered cream that triggers an immune response.
• Topical medications are also effective in completely eradicating actinic keratosis.