Those small, scaly patches you shrug off as "dry skin"? They can be early sun damage called actinic keratoses (AKs). AKs are common on areas that get lots of sun — face, scalp, ears, hands — and while each spot doesn’t usually turn into cancer, some do become squamous cell carcinoma. That’s why checking and treating them matters.
A typical AK feels like a rough patch you can catch with your fingernail. Colors range from pink to brown, and they can be flat, raised, or a bit crusty. They often show up slowly over years of sun exposure. If a spot grows fast, bleeds, becomes painful, or looks very different, see a doctor sooner rather than later.
Treatment depends on number, size, location, and your skin type. Here are the usual options so you know what to expect in the clinic:
Cryotherapy (freezing) — Quick and common. The provider applies liquid nitrogen to freeze each spot. It’s fast, often done in one visit, and can leave some temporary redness or lightening of the skin.
Topical prescription creams — Medications you apply over days or weeks. Examples include 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, and diclofenac. They treat multiple lesions across a larger area but cause redness and peeling while they work. Your doctor will explain how long to use them.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) — A light-activated treatment that targets larger sun-damaged areas. It’s more intensive but can reduce future AKs in that zone.
In-office removal and biopsy — If a spot looks suspicious, your provider may shave it off or do a small biopsy to check for skin cancer.
Preventing new AKs is mostly about sun protection. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every day, reapply if you sweat or swim, and cover up with hats and long sleeves during peak sun hours. Sunglasses and shade matter too. For people with thinning hair or a balding scalp, a hat is fast and effective.
Do self-checks monthly. Look for new rough patches, spots that don’t heal, or any AK that changes. If treatment is advised, think about both clearing current spots and protecting the whole area to cut down future lesions. Regular skin checks with a dermatologist are a smart move if you’ve had multiple AKs, lots of sun exposure, or a history of skin cancer.
If you’re unsure what a patch is, book a clinic visit. Diagnosing AKs is usually quick, and treating them early keeps small problems from turning into bigger ones. Want a checklist for your next visit? Note where the spots are, when you first noticed them, and any changes like bleeding or tenderness.
Sun damage adds up over years, but most AKs are treatable. With the right care and daily sun habits, you can protect your skin and lower the chance of trouble down the road.
In my recent exploration, I stumbled upon methoxsalen, an intriguing drug used for treating actinic keratosis. Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on the skin resulting from years of sun exposure. Methoxsalen, when used in combination with UVA light, effectively treats this condition by slowing skin cell growth. It's fascinating how the drug also helps in reducing the risk of skin cancer, which is often a long-term worry with actinic keratosis. Remember, it's always crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.