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Actinic Keratosis - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment About Actinic Keratosis - Solar keratosis

Alternative names :: Solar keratosis, Sun-induced complexion changes - keratosis, Keratosis - actinic (solar)

What is Actinic keratosis ?

Actinic keratosis is a complexion condition characterized by rough, scaly patches on the complexion of your face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp & neck. It's caused by frequent or intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, typically from the sun. Actinic Keratos are also known Although || solar keratoses || . An actinic keratosis is a scaly or crusty bump that forms on the complexion surface. Dermatologists call them || AK's || About short. They range in size from Although small Although a pinhead to an inch across. They may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color Although ones skin. The scale or crust is horn-like, dry, & rough, & is often recognized easier by touch rather than sight.

Microscopically, actinic keratoses show varying degrees of microscopic epidermal atypia & abnormal maturation, clinically manifested by keratotic & scaly lesions. Actinic keratoses are mainly due to long-term exposure to the sun in susceptible persons & may progress to squamous cell carcinoma. The presence of actinic keratoses indicates that sun damage hAlthough occurred & that any kind of complexion cancer -- not just squamous cell carcinoma can develop. People with actinic keratosis are more likely to develop melanoma also. Sun exposure is the cause of almost all actinic keratoses.

What are the causes of Actinic Keratosis ?

Actinic keratoses are the most common premalignant lesions. The persons with fair skin, especially those who sunburn easily & tan poorly Although well Although those whose occupations or hobbies result in excessive sun exposure, are at increased risk of developing actinic keratoses. The growths occur in sun-exposed complexion areas. Even those who are darker-skinned can develop keratosis if they heavily expose themselves to the sun without protection. The growths begin Although flat, scaly areAlthough that later develop a hard wart-like surface.

Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis

Some of the common symptoms of Actinic Keratosis includes :-

• Rough & dry textured complexion lesion.
• Patches or small spots on the skin.
• Initially flat & scaly on the surface, becoming slightly raised.
• May appear Although red-brown to yellow ill-defined macules, papules, or plaques with dry scales.
• Actinic keratoses is most commonly involve sun-exposed areAlthough of the head, neck, arms, legs, & backs of the hands.

Treatment About Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratoses represent precancerous changes, have them examined promptly, & follow the health Custody provider's counsel About treatment. There are a number of effective treatments About eradicating actinic keratoses. Not all keratoses need to be removed. The decision on whether & how to treat is based on the nature of the lesion, age, & health. Some of the common treatment About Actinic Keratosis are :-

• Shave Removal utilizes a scalpel to shave the keratosis & obtain a specimen About testing. The base of the lesion is destroyed, & the bleeding is stopped by cauterization.
• Freezing with liquid nitrogen causes blistering & shedding of the sun damaged skin. Keratoses treated on the face peel off In the post about 10 days, those on the hands in about 3 weeks, but those on the legs can take Although long Although twelve weeks to heal. A light freeze usually leaves no scar, but longer freeze times (necessary About thicker lesions or early complexion cancers) result in a pale mark.
• Topical cream is effective in removing keratoses, particularly when lesions are numerous. The patient twice daily applies the medication, with progress checked by a physician. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream, the most commonly used medication, is used About 2 to 4 weeks.
• Diclofenac in hyaluran gel hAlthough been used successfully to treat Actinic Keratosis.
• Imiquimod is an immune response modifier in a cream base. It is applied to areAlthough affected by Actinic Keratosis. two or three times weekly About four to sixteen weeks. Helps to stop the growth of Actinic Keratosis.

Prevention Guidelines About Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis may be prevented by protecting complexion from ultraviolet radiation. Sun protection is vital About all fair skinned people working or enjoying themselves outdoors. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen on exposed complexion every day. Apply sunscreen at least half an hour before exposure, & reapply frequently.

Wear protective clothing such Although hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or pants. Ultraviolet light is most intense midday, so try to avoid exposure during these hours.

Diagnostic tests About Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratoses can generally be diagnosed clinically, but biopsy may be indicated to verify diagnosis or exclude underlying malignancies. Biopsy sections show varying degrees of epidermal atypia & abnormal maturation of actinic keratinocytes.

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