Actinic keratosis (AK), or solar keratosis, or senile keratosis is a precancerous skin condition that develops in the skin when exposed to sun, hydrocarbons, and arsenicals and is more common in light-skinned people

When the human skin is exposed to the sun, the UV-B rays from the sun damage the dermis and epidermis. The epidermis is thinned and damaged cells calls fibroblasts cause synthesis of abnormal dermal elastic fibers within the superficial dermis that give the characteristic appearance of actinic keratosis.

Actinic keratoses are small, noticeable, red-brown patches that don’t fade away and have a characteristic rough texture accompanied by itching and burning. The lesions are generally 1-3mm in size, occur in clusters, and generally occur in sun exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands.

Actinic keratosis has physical characteristics that allow dermatologists to visually identify them. If there is any indication of the possibility of cancer, a skin biopsy is recommended.

There are several options to treat AK, the decision on treatment methodology is based on the nature of the lesion, age and health.

Actinin keratosis can be treated by:

Cryosurgery
Curettage and Electro dissection
Surgical Excision
Dermabrasion
Topical medications

Actinic keratosis can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen lotion and sun glasses and regular skin self-examination.