An actinic keratosis, or solar keratosis, is a small, crusty or scaly reddish or tan bump that arises on or beneath the surface of the skin. Although they are not cancerous, left untreated they can sometimes be the first step leading to squamous cell carcinoma. One of the most common skin conditions observed among people age 40-60 years old, an actinic keratosis generally develops in areas that have been exposed to years of damage by the sun, and usually appears on the face (including the earls and lips) as well as the neck, arms and hands. They often start out as scaly, thick, crusty skin patches that are usually about the size of a small pencil eraser, but may range in size from a pinpoint to several centimeters in diameter.
Actinic keratoses can be treated in various ways, and a specific treatment plan is based on different factors in each case – including where the actinic keratosis is located, its size and the overall health and age of the patient.) Some of the treatment options we offer include spraying/freezing the lesion so that it scabs over and falls off (known as cryotherapy), phototherapy with intense laser light, and topical medications.
When it comes to actinic keratoses, early diagnosis and early treatment by a board-certified dermatologist is key. When treated early, almost all actinic keratoses can be eliminated before becoming skin cancer, so it’s important to consult with a dermatologist as soon as you notice any potential signs of an actinic keratosis. For more information about diagnosing and treating actinic keratoses, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ros and her team by calling us at either our Rockaway office or our Clifton office at (973) 472-1000, or email us
Have you noticed an unexplained crusty or scaly patch appearing on your skin and wondered what it could be? One possibility is actinic keratosis, a skin condition linked to extensive sun exposure that affects approximately 14% of the global population.
At Dermatology Institute and Laser Center, Dr. Ros is highly experienced at diagnosing cases of actinic keratosis and developing individualized treatment plans to ensure that this potentially precancerous condition is effectively eradicated. If you suspect you may be living with actinic keratosis, schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have your skin evaluated and treated by our world-class team.
What Is Actinic Keratosis?
Also known as solar keratosis, actinic keratosis (plural keratoses), is a skin condition characterized by crusty, rough, or scaly patches of skin that appear in areas frequently exposed to sunlight or other UV sources, including the face, neck, arms, and hands. Lesions commonly start out as thick, rough patches of skin between 1-4mm in diameter and may be skin-toned, red, pink, brown, tan, or yellowish in color. Actinic keratoses may grow, remain the same, shrink, disappear, and/or recur spontaneously, depending on the circumstances. They can appear on their own or in groups and may or may not sting, itch, or be sensitive to the touch.
In and of themselves, actinic keratoses are harmless, but they can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common type of skin cancer, if not treated. For this reason, it is important to have actinic keratoses evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist as soon as you become aware of them.
Actinic keratosis is caused by cumulative UV exposure from sunlight, tanning beds, and/or other sources that damage skin over time, resulting in abnormal skin cell growth. The condition can occur at any age, but its prevalence increases significantly every decade after the age of 40.
Other risk factors for developing actinic keratosis may include:
- Sunburning easily or having a history of chronic sun exposure and/or extensive sunburns
- Using tanning beds frequently
- Having a lighter skin tone
- Taking certain medications
- Having Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Actinic Keratosis Symptoms
With early diagnosis and treatment, virtually all cases of actinic keratosis can be prevented from developing into skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma), but knowing what to look for is vital. Common symptoms of actinic keratosis can include:
- Rough/scaly/crusty patches of skin on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, or other parts of the body that may:
- Grow, shrink, disappear, and/or recur over time
- Be associated with itching, burning, redness, or discoloration
If you experience any of the following less common symptoms, it is essential to see your dermatologist as soon as possible:
- Actinic keratoses that are increasingly painful, tender, inflamed, or red
- Hardened actinic keratoses
- Bleeding actinic keratoses
- Actinic keratoses that are growing very rapidly
Treatments We Offer
At Dermatology Institute and Laser Center, we offer a variety of possible treatment options for actinic keratosis. Based on factors including the scope, severity, and location of your lesion(s) as well as your age and overall health, Dr. Ros may recommend one or more of the following:
- Cryotherapy – The lesion is frozen with liquid nitrogen so that it scabs over and falls off.
- Photodynamic Therapy – The lesion is coated with a solution that increases its sensitivity to light and then exposed to intense laser light in order to destroy sun-damaged cells.
- Chemical Peel – Chemicals are expertly applied to remove the layers of skin affected by actinic keratosis.
- Topical Treatments – Dr. Ros may prescribe a topical medication to be applied to the lesion on its own or in combination with other treatment options.
- Cauterization – During cauterization, actinic keratosis lesions are targeted with an intense electric current.
Excision – In some cases, Dr. Ros may surgically remove one or more actinic keratoses.
Results And Recovery
In general, little to no downtime is required after actinic keratosis treatment. That being said, every circumstance is unique and Dr. Ros will provide you with clear instructions to follow post-procedure based on the specifics of your case. Once you have undergone actinic keratosis treatment, it is typically recommended to avoid tanning beds and wear sunscreen and/or cover up exposed skin when in direct sunlight.
In most cases, actinic keratoses can be effectively and permanently removed with a single treatment. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery process, contact the team at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center directly.
About Dr. Adriana Ros
Dr. Adriana Ros, D.O., F.A.O.C.D., is a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist with more than 15 years of experience. Currently the Chief of the Dermatology Department at Hackensack UMC Palisades Hospital and a clinical professor at Hackensack Meridien School of Medicine, Bergen Regional Medical Center, and various other facilities, she is known for her innovative skin care treatments and warm, compassionate bedside manner. Dr. Ros is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating actinic keratosis and looks forward to helping you ensure a lifetime of skin health.
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Book an Appointment Today
Ready to address actinic keratoses and reduce your risk of skin cancer? Dr. Ros and our team of skin specialists at Dermatology Institute and Laser Center are ready to help. Book your appointment today at our Clifton or Rockaway location. We look forward to working with you.
