{"id":3631,"date":"2019-02-05T07:33:11","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T07:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=3631"},"modified":"2021-11-10T15:04:56","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T15:04:56","slug":"15-signs-of-actinic-keratosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-signs-of-actinic-keratosis\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Signs of Actinic Keratosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Actinic keratosis describes a rough spot on the skin that occurs due to the skin’s overexposure to the sun\u2019s harmful UV rays. The condition is also known as \u201csolar keratosis,\u201d and affects individuals who frequently spend long periods in the sun.
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Actinic keratosis looks like small superficial lesions that have not penetrated the deeper layers of the skin. While these lesions are not cancerous, they are a form of precancer and run the risk of developing into squamous cell carcinomas, (SCC.)
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Therefore, if you notice any signs of the skin condition, it\u2019s best to arrange an appointment with your dermatologist for removal of the lesion. Doctors diagnose actinic keratosis during a physical examination and recommend removal of the growth using one of three methods; <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cryo-surgery, chemical peels, or curettage and desiccation.
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Here are eight signs of actinic keratosis, if you notice any of them \u2013 arrange a consultation with your dermatologist for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Discolored Lesions
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Actinic keratosis<\/a> produces flat, discolored lesions on the surface of the skin. These growths change the genetic material inside skin cells, turning the skin dry and rough to the touch. Actinic keratosis growths come in a variety of colors, ranging from pink, red, brown to black.
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Many people suffering from this skin disorder don\u2019t notice the early stages of actinic keratosis growth because they have the same color as their skin. It\u2019s only as the lesion begins to grow and mature, that people start to notice changes in their skin color, and discover the growth.
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At this stage, many people become terrified at the prospect that they may have contracted some form of skin cancer, such as melanoma \u2013 which has over 178,000 new diagnoses each year. However, it’s important to note that the lesions are not cancerous, but if continued sun exposure persists, actinic keratosis may develop into a form of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinomas, (SCC.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Skin that Feels like Sandpaper
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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\u2019t realize it\u2019s there until it begins to mature.
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As the lesion <\/a>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.
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Itching and Burning in the Affected Area
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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.
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Most people don\u2019t 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.
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Exposure to the sun aggravates the lesion, causing inflammation <\/a>of the area which produces the itching sensation. It\u2019s vital that you don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Changes in Your Skin
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The most common way people affected by actinic keratosis discover their condition is by noticing changes to their skin. It\u2019s normal for them to develop wrinkles <\/a>and turn a darker color as we age, especially if we have regular exposure to the sun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, with the development of actinic keratosis, affected individuals typically notice the start of the condition due to the development of a pinkish lesion covering an area about the size of a penny on the skin.
Growths are not always circular and can be long and thin, or rectangular in shape. In most cases, people with tanned skin will notice the lesion takes on the appearance of pale or pink skin, similar to when a scab falls off, leaving behind a fresh layer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s critical for people that spend lots of time in the sun to pay attention to their skin. If you can\u2019t look at your back in a mirror, have a friend or family member check it for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Cutaneous Horns
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The most aggressive form of the skin disorder, actinic cheilitis, appears on the lips as growths with a horn-like appearance. These lesions are most at risk of turning into SCC, with one-fifth of the carcinomas <\/a>metastasizing into other forms of cancer in the body.
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Affected individuals need to visit a dermatologist as soon as possible for the removal of the growth before it has the chance to progress into SCC. Cutaneous horns look like small spikes forming on the edge of the lip. As time passes, the horn grows in size, and can eventually become quite prominent. Initially, the growths are tiny and may be confused with a fever blister or scab on the lip.
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The horns can grow on other parts of the face and body, such as the ears. If left untreated, the horns eventually develop a hard outer layer, similar to an animal horn. Many seniors fail to receive the treatment they need and produce these types of horns as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Commonly Affected Areas
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Actinic keratosis lesions can form anywhere on the body that has regular exposure to the sun’s UV rays. It\u2019s for this reason that most diagnoses of the condition occur on the face. The cheeks, ears, back of the neck, lips, and forehead are most at risk of developing the skin disorder.
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Many of the lesions require curettage and desiccation for the successful removal of the growth. Unfortunately, this can leave the affected individual with minor scarring from the surgery, which can affect the person\u2019s self-image and confidence. There are skin restoration procedures that can reduce the scarring, so \u2013 speak to your physician <\/a>about scarring before arranging the surgery.
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Other areas that frequently experience actinic keratosis lesions include the shoulders, chest, forearms, back of the hands, and the tops of the feet. All of these body parts typically receive more sun, than the back, stomach, or upper legs. People that enjoy sunbathing may also find growth in other body parts that are not usually affected by the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Self-Evaluate Your Skin
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The best method of prevention is to cover up your skin and wear sunscreen <\/a>with an SPF of 50. Protect your lips with sunblock lip balm and avoid spending time in the sun during peak sunlight hours of the day between 10 am and 3 pm.
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Check your skin for signs of lesions every week. Make sure you use a well-lit area for self-examination, as dimly lit rooms may cause you to fail to notice the growth in its early stages. Start by examining your face in the mirror, and use a second mirror to check the back of your neck and the top of your head.
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Start at the head and work our way down, paying particular attention to your calves and the back of your arms. People with fair skin and freckles are the highest risk group for developing the condition, as their skin tends to burn easier than dark-skinned individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Tender and Bleeding Lesions
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In rare cases, some people don\u2019t think that their lesions are anything to worry about during the early stages. They let the skin disorder manifest itself without a second thought for visiting their dermatologist. This behavior typically occurs because the affected individual does not understand what the lesions are, confusing them for a harmless skin disorder that may go away on its own.
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As the condition progresses, the lesion grows and becomes more sensitive to touch. In the advanced stages of actinic keratosis, growths may tear and bleed when they experience vigorous rubbing from clothing or fingers. This bleeding may lead to the onset of infection<\/a>, which can create problems with the lesion.
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If you notice the start of actinic keratosis on your skin, it\u2019s vital that you seek treatment right away to prevent the spread and development of the growths, and the potential advancement of the precancerous condition into SCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Crusting of the Affected Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with actinic keratosis development might notice that the affected area starts to build a crust. The crust might form a hard surface and crumble away if you pick it. This crust is a sign that the keratosis is growing, and if you remove the crust, it grows back in most cases. Some individuals might find that the skin below the crust starts to bleed<\/a> when pulled away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These crusts are not dangerous, but they are a sign of actinic keratosis. Visit your dermatologist for identification of the skin condition and the best options for your treatment. Some people go for years without seeking treatment. They might notice problems like the crusting around the affected area but not experience any discomfort or pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your dermatologist will likely opt to remove the keratosis from the affected area. They may take a small sample from the skin in the affected area to send it for testing for skin cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Color Variations in Your Skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with the onset of actinic keratosis may find that the affected area starts to change color, the issue begins as the appearance of a small dent in the skin<\/a>, and at first, it’s not that noticeable. However, as the weeks and months pass, the affected individual might notice that the keratosis starts to change color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first, the color might change slightly darker, and after a few more months, it’s noticeably darker than the surrounding area. The color change makes the skin around the affected area seem more pink or dark red. While the color change is apparent, the individual probably won’t notice any changes in the skin’s feelings or sensations around the affected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The color changes should be a sign to see your dermatologist. While actinic keratosis rarely provides complications that become life-threatening, it’s a good idea to get a checkup. The doctor will review your skin’s status in the problematic area and make their decision for treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Patches or Bumps Occurring in New Areas on the Skin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some people dealing with actinic keratosis’s effects find that they experience bumps and patches occurring in new places across the body. These patches and blemishes can occur close to each other or further apart. The patient might notice that the new growths also produce some skin changes, with affected areas having sandpaper feel to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to explain why these changes occur, but it’s always due to over-exposure to the sun. If you participate in activities like fishing, swimming, or surfing, you’re spending plenty of time on the water. The water reflects the sun’s rays, and it’s common for people enjoying these activities to experience a sunburn<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every sunburn you receive takes a toll on your skin. Getting a burn once or twice a year isn’t going to do your skin much harm. However, if you continuously receive overexposure o the sun’s UV rays, it leads to the development of skin disorders like actinic keratosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Hard Wart-like bumps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who get too much sun might notice one of the first signs of actinic keratosis being the formation of hard bumps on the skin. Many people with fair skin who get overexposed to the sun’s UV rays start to experience this phenomenon. The skin becomes itchy<\/a>, and hard itchy bumps around the pinhead’s size pop up in several places on your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bumps are hard, and many people attempt to pick them off the skin. However, removing them by selecting them typically results in inflammation and aggressive response to the action. Visit your dermatologist and let them go over your body to find the small hard bumps in your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor creates a roadmap of all the new sites developing on your skin, monitoring them for future growth. With careful monitoring of your skin, your doctor can determine when the new bumps might start to cause a problem for your health, requiring removal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Weakened Immune System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with the effects of actinic keratosis should examine their immune health. Some medical experts believe there is a relationship between immune health and the onset of skin disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The immune system might cause actinic keratosis as an autoimmune response, where the body doesn’t recognize healthy skin cells from invading pathogens<\/a>. As a result, the body starts to make changes to the skin cells, resulting in actinic keratosis formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By boosting your immune system, you have the best chance of avoiding the development of autoimmune responses. Consider adding immune-boosting foods and supplements to your diet to improve the health of your gut biome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Around 60% of your immune system resides in the digestive tract. As a result, by eating foods high in probiotics and prebiotic fiber, you can increase your immune system’s health. Foods like sauerkraut, Kim-chi, and organic yogurt are great sources of probiotics and prebiotics that boost digestive health and immune function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. You are Older than 40-Years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most significant risk factors for developing skin disorders like actinic keratosis is your age. When we get into middle age, we start to experience a slowdown in protein synthesis in the body. As a result, you also see a drop in collagen levels in healthy skin cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collagen <\/a>is a protein and the building block of human tissue. The less collagen you have in your skin, the lower its elasticity. In plain English, that means the skin takes longer to recover from stress. Therefore, if you get a sunburn at 50-years old, it’s going to take much longer to recover than it will if you catch the same sunburn at 30-years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are over 40-years are at higher risk of developing skin issues like actinic keratosis. The body’s natural inability to maintain skin elasticity and expel free radicals means it’s easier for these issues to form in seniors and older adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Besides being over the age of 40-years, several other risk factors<\/a> make certain people more at risk of developing actinic keratosis than others. Some of the most prevalent risk factors for the condition include the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spending Time in the Sun \u2013 As mentioned, spending time in the sun increases your exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you spend time in the sun, make sure you wear a hat and sunblock to protect your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failing to Use Sunscreen \u2013 The sun is strong, especially during the peak summer months of the year. Protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays by wearing a 50 SPF sunscreen. Remember to reapply after three to four hours of use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Failing to Get a Skin Checkup \u2013 Many people that live in a sunny climate fail to get a skin checkup as often as they should. Therefore, they are at higher risk of missing areas on the body where actinic keratosis might develop, such as the scalp or the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having Light Skin \u2013 People with Celtic origins and pale skin are the highest risk group for actinic keratosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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