Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Buffalo, NY | Lisa Ball, NP PLLC

Actinic keratosis is a common skin condition caused by long-term sun exposure that can cause rough, scaly, or discolored patches on the skin. These precancerous growths can vary in appearance and may sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other types of skin growths.

At Lisa Ball, NP PLLC at the Neiman Dermatology Building in Buffalo, NY, we provide actinic keratosis evaluation and treatment based on the location, appearance, and extent of your actinic keratoses.

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What Is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth that develops as a result of long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or indoor tanning.

Actinic keratoses most commonly develop on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, including the face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, and forearms. While some actinic keratoses may remain unchanged, others can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, making evaluation and appropriate treatment important.

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratoses develop as a result of cumulative sun damage to the skin. Regular exposure to UV radiation can cause changes in skin cells over time.

Factors that can contribute to the development of actinic keratoses include:

Long-term sun exposure
Frequent outdoor activities without adequate sun protection
Indoor tanning
A history of significant sun damage
Increasing age

Sun protection is important for helping prevent additional actinic keratoses and reducing further UV damage to the skin.

What Does Actinic Keratosis Look and Feel Like?

Actinic keratoses can appear differently depending on the individual and the amount of sun damage. Common signs include:

Rough or scaly patches: Affected areas may feel rough or have a texture similar to sandpaper.
Discolored spots: Actinic keratoses may appear red, pink, brown, gray, white, or skin-colored.
Raised areas: Some lesions may become raised or thickened.
Dry or irritated skin: An actinic keratosis may itch, burn, sting, or feel tender.
Persistent changes: A rough or scaly area may remain present or repeatedly return in the same location.

Can Actinic Keratosis Turn Into Skin Cancer?

Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous skin growths because some can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Evaluation and appropriate treatment can help address actinic keratoses and identify other suspicious or changing areas of skin.

Actinic Keratosis Treatment Options

Treatment for actinic keratosis depends on the number, location, and appearance of the growths. Your provider may recommend treatment designed to remove individual lesions or address areas of sun-damaged skin.

Treatment options may include:

Cryotherapy (freezing) for individual actinic keratoses
Prescription topical treatments for areas of sun damaged skin
Treatment for multiple actinic keratoses when appropriate
Ongoing skin examinations to monitor for additional actinic keratoses or skin cancer

The appropriate treatment depends on your individual skin and the extent of the actinic keratoses.

Preventing Actinic Keratoses

Protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation can help reduce additional sun damage and the development of new actinic keratoses. Helpful measures include seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoiding indoor tanning.

When Should You Seek Actinic Keratosis Treatment?

You may benefit from professional evaluation if you notice a persistent rough, scaly, discolored, or changing area of skin, particularly on an area that has received significant sun exposure.

Some actinic keratoses can resemble age spots, irritated skin, pimples, or other skin growths. Because some skin cancers can have a similar appearance, a persistent or changing lesion should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider rather than diagnosed based on appearance alone.