2. Skin that Feels like Sandpaper
Actinic keratosis lesions feel rough to the touch. During the early stages of growth, it’s barely noticeable and covers a small area. It presents few symptoms, and most affected individuals don’t realize it’s there until it begins to mature.
As the lesion grows in size, it affects the skin cells, turning them hard while drying them out. This progression leads to a sandpaper sensation as you rub your finger on the surface of the growth. Some actinic keratosis lesions feel waxy, and in some cases, the affected individual may peel off a layer of rough, scaly skin, similar to a scab.
As the condition progresses, the skin affected by the lesion turns harder and begins to take on a darker color in its appearance. When doctors remove the growth, the skin will typically retain a small scar that heals over time. Areas where actinic keratosis is present, are not at risk of the condition reoccurring after removal of the growth.