Actinic keratosis also known as solar keratosis or senile keratosis is a condition that is characterized by the appearance of a small, rough, raised area on the skin surface which has been exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time. On average, actinic keratosis measures about 2-6 millimeters in diameter and usually appear reddish in color and have a white or yellowish scale on top.
The condition is most commonly found on body surfaces that are excessively exposed to sunlight and they include the face, ears, neck, lips and the hands. The condition is in many cases asymptomatic where by it develops slowly without showing any symptoms other than a small spot on the skin which is difficult to associate with actinic keratosis.
Research has shown that actinic keratosis takes several years to develop and its’ first appearance on an individual is during his/her adulthood. For this reason, many researchers have pointed out that actinic keratosis is a form of a precancerous condition which can develop into skin cancer.
It is estimated that, more than ten million Americans are affected by this condition and research that has been carried out to determine the nature of people who are at a higher risk of developing the condition has shown that, people with a fair complexion, red hair and blue or grey eyes are the most susceptible people when they are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time.
Studies have further shown that living closer to the equator increases the chances of suffering from the condition and more men than women are at a higher risk of suffering from the condition due to the long periods they spend under the sun without shading themselves from sunlight. Dark skinned people have shown to be less susceptible from suffering from the condition.
After many years of exposure to sunlight, special cells referred to as keratinocytes that make up the epidermis layer of the skin are forced to change in size, shape and their way of organization within the epidermis resulting into the devastating condition. Actinic keratosis is not only limited to the epidermis layer of the skin but can also extend into the dermis which lies beneath the epidermis.
Major Symptoms.
The main symptoms that characterize actinic keratosis are growths on the skin surface that are rough in texture, are itchy; their sizes is almost that of a small pea, are numerous in number close to each other and are covered by red, irritated skin.
Medical Diagnosis
A dermatologist has the sole role of providing the right treatment after deriving to a definitive diagnosis which is carried out through a careful skin examination procedure. The diagnosis procedure involves the use of magnifying glasses to examine the growths, scrapping off some hair from the scalp and use of biopsies for histology and microscopy analysis.
Treatment
It is highly recommended that treatment for actinic keratosis should start as early as possible to prevent it from developing into a more serious condition referred to as squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer). Prevention measures include shading off from sunlight, eating rich sources of vitamin D, applying sun screens on the skin, avoiding deliberate tanning.
