Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common precancers that form on skin damaged by long-term sun exposure or use of tanning beds. Also known as solar keratoses, AKs are most often found on the face, lips, ears, scalp, shoulders, neck, back of the hands and forearms or any area of the body that has cumulative sun exposure.

Because AKs are caused by cumulative damage, a person who has one AK will typically develop more. This creates a higher risk of skin cancer because AKs can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, which can be invasive if left untreated. Not all AKs turn into skin cancer, but the majority of squamous cell carcinomas start off as AKs, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

AKs can be treated before they develop into skin cancer, which is why early detection is so important.

Treatment options include topical ointments, surgery, photodynamic therapy and combination therapy.

Your True Dermatology team can diagnose your skin lesions and recommend the best treatment.