actinic lentigo - Health Topics
Lentigo is a common type of skin spot that has a dark color and a defined edge. It can be found on any part of your body and is most often caused by sun damage or exposure to radiation. There are ...
Understanding the Context
An actinic keratosis is a very common and treatable precancerous skin lesion. Our dermatologist Saira George, M.D., explains what causes actinic keratoses, how to treat them and who’s at risk. Actinic keratosis (pronounced ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOH-sis), also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition that happens with too much sun exposure. It causes rough, scaly spots of skin.
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Actinic keratoses (AKs) most commonly present as a white, scaly plaque of variable thickness with surrounding redness; they have a sandpaper-like texture when felt with a gloved hand. Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40. You can reduce your risk of this skin condition by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Actinic keratoses are very common, and many people have them. They are caused by ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin.
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Some actinic keratoses can turn into squamous cell skin cancer. Because of this, the lesions are often called precancer. They are not life-threatening. When an AK forms on a lip, the medical name for this precancerous growth is actinic cheilitis. Many people who develop AKs and actinic cheilitis are otherwise healthy. They don’t feel ill or rundown.
Still, it’s important to know if you have any of these precancerous growths on your skin. View images and learn the warning signs and symptoms for the precancer actinic keratosis (AK) and how to spot it early.