What is an actinic keratosis?

An actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth that the American Academy of Dermatology ties to the sun and indoor tanning.

The name and what it means

The American Academy of Dermatology gives the definition: Also called solar keratosis, this is a precancerous skin growth caused by the sun or indoor tanning.

Precancerous means the growth is not cancer yet. It is a reason to have the spot looked at, not a reason to panic.

Free actinic keratosis pages

The American Academy of Dermatology has an overview of actinic keratosis. The Skin Cancer Foundation explains actinic keratosis in its own page, and it also lists actinic keratosis treatment options.

For a view from another country, the NHS covers non-melanoma skin cancer on its site.

Checking your face, ears, scalp and hands

Looking is simple and free. Check the skin on your face, ears, scalp and hands in a mirror now and then and note anything new. Treating a growth at home is a different matter, so leave that to a clinician who has examined it.

A rough spot that stays or grows

Make an appointment if you find a rough or scaly spot that stays, grows or changes. A dermatologist can tell you what it is and whether it needs treatment. Whether you live in Madera, where this guide is written, or in Madera Acres, Fairmead or another part of the county, that check is the same.

How is actinic keratosis treated?

People usually ask what the treatment options are. The Skin Cancer Foundation page above is a good place to start, and your clinician can explain which fits you.