KERATOSIS, ACTINIC

General Information

DEFINITION--A small area of sun-damaged skin that is precancerous.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin of exposed areas, especially the scalp, face, ears, lips, arms and hands.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--Brownish or reddish scaly patches on exposed areas of skin. The patches are painless.

CAUSES--Prolonged exposure to the sun's radiation (may develop years after the person's most intense sun-exposure).

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Outdoor occupations such as farming.
• Outdoor sports.
• Light complexioned persons who tan poorly.
• Immunosuppression due to illness or medication.

HOW TO PREVENT--Protect yourself against direct sun exposure. When outdoors, wear a hat and protective clothing. Use sunscreen lotions and creams with rating of 15 or more.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Skin damage.
• Skin cancer (squamous-cell carcinoma).

PROBABLE OUTCOME--An individual keratosis will disappear with treatment, but new lesions are likely to recur. If neglected, actinic keratosis can lead to skin cancer.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES-- After diagnosis:

• Minimize direct sun exposure.
• See your doctor for checkups every 6 months to ensure early detection and treatment of skin cancers.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may use:

• Liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected tissue.
• Applications of 5-fluorouracil to the affected area. This causes uncomfortable inflammation, but it is very effective.
• Vitamin A, which is still experimental.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

You have signs of actinic keratosis. Even though this causes no symptoms, it is precancerous.