Actinic keratosis is a premalignant condition that causes scaly, thick, or crusty patches of skin. A thorough physical examination can diagnose actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is similar to seborrheic keratosis, another type of skin lesion.
Definition and Diagnosis of Actinic Keratosis
New York (USA), June 21, 2013
What is Actinic Keratosis?
Definition of Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is a premalignant condition that causes scaly, thick, or crusty patches of skin. This is due to prolonged and excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays of sun. It is predominant across commonly exposed parts of body like ears, face, chest, forearms, back of hands, lips, neck, and bald patches on scalp. Actinic keratosis is same as senile keratosis or solar keratosis.
Actinic keratosis starts as a small spot or patch on your skin. It is flat and scaly at first. Sometimes it disappears only to reappear again. Slowly it grows into a dry, thick, and rough wart. This enlarges and develops over many years. Actinic keratosis is more prevalent in elderly people as it develops over many years.
An actinic keratosis is normally two to six millimeters in size. It is pinkish or reddish in color with a light or dark shade. Sometimes it is similar to your skin color. It occurs mostly among fair-skinned people. Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and others with darker skin are not as susceptible.
Diagnosis of Actinic Keratosis
A thorough physical examination can diagnose actinic keratosis. If keratosis is too thick or large, a biopsy is essential to confirm if it is keratosis or skin cancer. Actinic keratosis is similar to seborrheic keratosis, another type of skin lesion. However, this is not caused due to sun exposure and does not develop into skin cancer.
Actinic Keratosis – Causes and Evaluation
Causes and Evaluation of Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Complications and Risk Factors
Complications and Risk Factors for Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures for Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Treatments and Medications
Treatments and Medications for Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Clinical Trials and Research Studies
Clinical Trials and Research Studies on Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies
Home Remedies and Alternative Therapies for Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Prevention and Coping
Prevention and Coping with Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help
Lifestyle Changes and Self-Help for Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis – Prevention, Treatment, and Remedies
Actinic Keratosis – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, Treatment, and Remedies