Actinic Keratosis
(AK)
Pronounced: Ak-TIN-ik care-a-TOE-sis
Definition
Actinic keratosis (AK) is abnormal growth of the skin. It results in a rough, scaly, or crusted patch of skin. AK tends to occur on sun-damaged skin.
AK is not cancer but it can sometimes change to squamous cell skin cancer. Treatment includes removing lesions and monitoring for skin cancer.
Actinic Keratosis
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Causes
AK is caused by long term excessive sun exposure.Ultraviolet rays from sunlight can cause skin damage. Over time, this damage can cause abnormal growth of the skin such as AK.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chances of getting AK include:
- Fair complexion
- Easy sunburning
- Extra exposure to sun
- Occupations or pastimes in sunlight such as farmer, lifeguard, or athlete in outdoor sports
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Spotted or smeared red, thinning skin
- Rough, scaly, or crusted patches
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
A biopsy of the lesion may be done. The skin will be closely examined for cancer.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. AK lesions increase your risk of skin cancer. The lesions are usually removed to decrease this risk. Your doctor will also monitor the lesion for signs of cancer.
The exact method of removal will be determined by the number and location of the lesions.
AK may be removed with:
- Surgery
- Cryosurgery
- Chemical peel
- Photodynamic therapy
Medications may also be applied over the skin. More than one treatment may be required. Over time the medication will remove the AK. Medication may be an option for people with multiple AKs. Options include:
- 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream
- Imiquimod topical cream
- Diclofenac gel
- Ingenol mebutate gel
The procedures and medications will remove AK and allow healthy skin to grow in its place. Most treatments have some risk of scarring or discoloration of the skin.
Prevention
To reduce your chances of getting AK, take these steps:
- Avoid sun exposure.
- Protect your skin when outdoors. Wear long sleeves, long pants or a long skirt. Use a wide-brimmed hat, especially during the middle of the day.
- Use sun screen with an SPF of at least 15.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
http://www.aocd.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.ca
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca
REFERENCES:
Actinic keratosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated May 8, 2012. Accessed June 3, 2013.
Actinic keratosis. The Skin Cancer Foundation website. Available at: http://www.skincancer.org/ak/index.php. Accessed June 3, 2013.
Jeffes EW III, Tang, EH. Actinic keratosis. Current treatment options. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2000;1:167.
Rivers JK, Arlette J, Shear N, et al. Topical treatment of actinic keratoses with 3.0% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronan gel. Br J Dermatol . 2002;146:94.
Stockfleth E, Meyer T, Benninghoff B, Christophers E. Successful treatment of actinic keratosis with imiquimod cream 5%: a report of six cases. Br J Dermatol . 2001;144:1050.
Last reviewed June 2013 by Brian Randall, MD
Last Updated: 6/3/2013