Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are dry, scaly, rough-textured patches or lesions that form on the outermost layer of the skin after years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlight. These lesions typically range in color from skin-toned to reddish brown and in size from that of a pinhead to larger than a quarter. Occasionally, a lesion grows to resemble an animal horn and is called a “cutaneous horn.”

It is important that anyone with AKs be under a dermatologist’s care. AKs are considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer and have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can be fatal. Anyone who develops AKs has extensive sun-damaged skin. This makes one more susceptible to other forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. Melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer because it can rapidly spread to the lymph system and internal organs.

Why the Term “Actinic Keratoses”

The two words “actinic” and “keratoses” precisely describe what has happened to the skin. “Actinic” (ak-‘ti-nik) comes from the Greek word for ray, “aktis,” and indicates that radiant energy has produced chemical changes. The word “keratoses” (ker-ah-TOE-sees) means the skin has become hard and callous. Therefore, AKs are areas of calloused skin caused by chemical changes brought about by exposure to radiant energy, such as sunlight. The lesions may also be called “solar keratoses.”

When such a lesion occurs on the lip, dermatologists call the condition “actinic cheilitis” (key-LITE-iss). “Cheilitis” means inflammation of the lips. Actinic cheilitis is characterized by a diffuse scaling on the lower lip that cracks and dries. Sometimes the lip has a whitish discoloration on the thickened lip.

Causes

Years of sun exposure cause AKs to develop. All AKs, including actinic cheilitis, develop in the skin cells called the “keratinocytes,” which are the tough-walled cells that make up 90% of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, and give the skin its texture. Years of sun exposure cause these cells to change in size, shape, and the way they are organized. Cellular damage can even extend to the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis.

Who Gets Actinic Keratoses?

Fair skin, a history of cumulative sun exposure, and a weak immune system are some of the risk factors for developing AKs. These lesions develop on areas of the body that have received years of sun exposure, such as the face, ears, lip, scalp, neck, forearms, and back of the hands. AKs usually appear after age 40 because they take years to develop. However, even teens can have AKs when they live in areas that receive sunlight year round, such as Florida, Southern California, or areas of high intensity sunlight, such as Teton County! It is important to treat AKs to prevent progression to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Actinic Keratoses  can be treated effectively by one of our trained dermatology specialists. Call Teton Dermatology at 307-734-1800 to schedule an AK evaluation.

Actinic Keratoses can be treated effectively by one of our trained dermatology specialists. Call Teton Dermatology at 307-734-1800 to schedule an AK evaluation.