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

Actinic keratosis is a common precancerous skin condition caused by long-term sun exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It often appears as a rough, scaly, or discolored patch on the skin. Although some growths may seem harmless, actinic keratoses can sometimes develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

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

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What Is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous skin growth that develops when repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation damages skin cells. These growths are most common in areas that receive frequent sun exposure, including the face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, and forearms.

Actinic keratoses can vary in size, color, and texture. Some remain relatively unchanged, while others may become thicker, irritated, or develop into squamous cell carcinoma. A medical evaluation can hlep determine whether a growth is consistent with actinic keratosis or requires further investigation.

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratoses develop as a result of cumulative UV damage to the skin over time. Both sunlight and indoor tanning can contribute to the changes that lead to these growths.

Factors associated with actinic keratosis include:

Long-term or frequent sun exposure
A history of sunburns or significant sun damage
Indoor tanning
Spending a considerable amount of time outdoors without adequate sun protection
Increasing age

Protecting your skin from UV radiation can help limit additional sun damage and reduce the development of new actinic keratoses.

What Does Actinic Keratosis Look and Feel Like?

Actinic keratoses do not always look the same. They may be easier to feel than see, particlarly when they appear small, rough patches on sun-damaged skin.

Common signs include:

Rough or scaly patches: Skin may feel dry, coarse, or similar to sandpaper.
Discolored spots: Growths may appear pink, red, brown, gray, white, or similar to the surrounding skin.
Raised areas: Some actinic keratoses develop a more noticeable texture over time.
Itching or tenderness: An affected area may itch, sting, burn, or feel irritated.
Persistent changes: A rough or scaly area may remain present or repeatedly return in the same location.

Actinic keratoses can resemble age spots, eczema, or other skin conditions. Because some skin cancers can look similar, persistent, changing, or unusual growths should be evaluated by a qualified medical provider.

Can Actinic Keratosis Turn Into Skin Cancer?

Yes. Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous because some can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer. It is not possible to predict with certainty which individual growths will progress.

Changes such as increasing thickness, rapid growth, bleeding, ulceration, or persistent tenderness warrant prompt medical evaluation. Treating actinic keratoses and monitoring sun-damaged skin can help address existing growths and identify other suspicious changes.

Actinic Keratosis Treatment Options

Treatment for actinic keratosis depends on the number, location, and appearance of the growths, as well as the extent of sun damage and your medical history.

Treatment options may include:

Cryotherapy: A freezing treatment commonly used to destroy individual actinic keratoses.
Prescription topical treatments: Certain medications can treat actinic keratoses across larger areas of sun-damaged skin.
Follow-up skin examinations: Monitoring helps identify new or recurring actinic keratoses and other suspicious skin changes.

The appropriate treatment depends o your individual needs and the characteristics of the affected skin. Your provider will evaluate the affected areas and discuss appropriate treatment options.

How Can You Help Prevent Actinic Keratoses?

Although previous sun damage cannot be reversed through sun protection alone, reducing further UV exposure can help protect your skin and limit additional damage.

Helpful steps include:

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin.
Reapply sunscreen as directed, especially after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Seek shade when possible, particularly during periods of intense sunlight.
Avoid indoor tanning.

Regular skin examinations are also important, particularly if you have a history of actinic keratoses or significant sun exposure.

When Should You Seek Actinic Keratosis Treatment?

Consider scheduling a medical evaluation if you notice a persistent rough, scaly, thickened, or discolored patch, especially on an area that receives frequent sun exposure.

YOu should also seek prompt evaluation for a growth that changes noticeably, bleeds, develops an open sore, or becomes increasingly painful or tender. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate skin cancer, but they should not be ignored.

Because actinic keratoses can resemble other skin conditions, an examination is the best way to determine the appropriate next steps.