When Should Actinic Keratosis be Removed?

Actinic Keratosis (sometimes called Solar Keratosis) are small areas of sun-damaged skin. They appear as scaly, dry patches. While most cases are benign, there is a small risk that they could progress and become cancerous. 

Because of this, it’s important to have them diagnosed by a skin care professional. In some cases, it’s advisable to have them removed—a simple process that can be carried out in a variety of ways.

Actinic Keratosis (AK): What, Where, & When to Have Them Removed

• What is Actinic Keratosis?
• Where can you get Actinic Keratosis?
• When should you get it/them removed?

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic Keratosis are generally found on areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. They’re small—usually less than one inch across—and feel dry and scaly. They can range in color—brown, red, pink, or even the same shade as your skin. While they can be flat, they’re more usually a little raised and might even have a significantly raised bump or horn.

There is a particular type of AK that can appear on the lower lip. This is called Actinic Cheilitis.

Because they can be very tiny, the condition is often easier to feel than see. They might feel rough or dry to the touch. They can also bleed and/or be painful or sensitive. The condition can also be transient, coming and going in the same spot.

Generally, AK is benign. However, there’s a small chance that the area can develop into skin cancer.

Where can you get Actinic Keratosis?

The most common places to get AK are:

• The arms: Especially the forearms.
• The legs: More likely if you wear shorts a lot.
• The backs of the hands: Again, an area that gets a lot of sun exposure.
• The neck: On the nape—an area that many of us are poor at protecting from UV rays.
• The scalp: More common in those with little or no hair on their head.
• The ears: An area that’s often forgotten when applying sunscreen.
• The lips: Another oft-neglected area when it comes to sun protection.

However, AK can occur on any area of the body.

When should you get it/them removed?

If you have a single Actinic Keratosis, your dermatologist may advise monitoring and keeping it safe from UV rays. However, multiple AK or those that cause symptoms are usually ripe for removal.

There are multiple options for doing this.

• Topically: You might be prescribed a medicated cream or gel. This takes a few weeks to work but can be an efficient removal method.
• Laser: One of the most advanced ways of removing AK. The treatment destroys the affected patch and new skin grows in its place. Potential risks are scarring or discoloration.
• Cryotherapy: This freezes the area using liquid nitrogen and is the most common method used. The AK blisters and, a few weeks later, naturally peels away. New, healthy tissue grows in its place. Potential risks include blistering, scarring, skin discoloration, or changes in skin texture.
• Photodynamic therapy: This is where a special chemical is applied to the skin, which is then activated by a special kind of light. Again, it destroys the AK and new cells grow in its place. It can be a bit uncomfortable, causing a burning sensation. Post-procedure risks include temporary Inflammation and swelling.
• Curettage: The AK is scraped away with a special instrument (a curet) and then an electric current is applied to further destroy the skin. It’s carried out under local anesthetic. The risks include post-procedure infection, and—similar to all the other treatments—the potential for scarring and skin discoloration.

Worried About Actinic Keratosis? Get a Diagnosis Today at Bayou City Dermatology

The best skincare practice is to have a whole-body check by a dermatologist once a year. That way, any moles, lesions, or areas of concern can be spotted at the earliest stage and either monitored or treated. 

Bayou City Dermatology offers a premium skin check, pre-cancerous, and cancer lesion service—including diagnosing and treating Actinic Keratosis. 

Proactive skin care is always the gold standard. However, if you have any concerns, getting them checked by a skin professional is vital. Discover more at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services and call today to book an appointment.