Actinic keratosis
Chronic exposure to ionizing or solar radiation is the cause of actinic keratosis. They are common precancerous lesions in the epithelium.
What triggers actinic keratosis?
- Sunlight
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Thermal radiation
- Asphalt
- Coal
Symptoms
- Skin damage due to sun exposure on the face, back of the hand and upper arms
- Scattered rough bumps
- Pink, flat and scaly patches
Complications of actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis is one of the serious complications caused by sun exposure. Inflammation, erosion and ulceration may develop at various stage. Up to twenty-five percent of them may turn malignant e.g. Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma in ten or more years.
Treatment
- Cryosurgery
- Shave excision
- Currettage
- Dermabrasion
- Lasers
- Topical drugs
- Chemical peeling
- Photodynamic therapy