3. Itching and Burning in the Affected Area
Many individuals with actinic keratosis spend hours in the sun every day. People who enjoy fishing, sunbathing, surfing, and lifeguards are a few examples of people most at risk of developing skin disorders. People suffering from actinic keratosis lesions report that they feel itchy after being in the sun. This sensation typically lasts for a few hours after sun exposure and fades away gradually.
Most people don’t think twice about this occurrence, and the itch may not cause them to examine the skin and discover the lesion. However, in some cases, the itching sensation can increase as the growth matures in size, affecting more skin cells in the region.
Exposure to the sun aggravates the lesion, causing inflammation of the area which produces the itching sensation. It’s vital that you don’t scratch the affected area, as this may progress the lesions further and possibly force it to turn into SCC. Soothe the itching sensation by applying ice to the affected area and covering it with moisturizer.