Actinic keratosis (solar keratosis) is considered to be the precursor of spiny cell cancer. This is the second most common form of skin cancer. In some people, the skin lesions of actinic keratosis remain inconspicuous for years. At every tenth, however, the malignant skin tumor develops. Read more about the appearance and cause of Actinic Keratosis, Treatment and Prevention here!
Actinic keratosis: symptoms
In the early stages it is not easy for laymen to recognize an actinic keratosis: At one or more places it comes first to one sharply reddenedthat look like fine sandpaper feels. Later, the horny layer thickens and it forms thick, partly yellowish-brown horn deposits, Their diameter can be a few millimeters to a few centimeters. These skin changes do not cause discomfort such as itching or burning. But they can bleed more easily because of the increased vulnerability.
Preferred sites of actinic keratosis are the “Terraces” of the body. These include the bald head, forehead, pinna, nose, lower lip (actinic cheilitis), forearms, back of the hand and décolleté.
Actinic keratosis eventually becomes one in ten patients Spiny cell cancer (squamous cell carcinoma, spinalioma) above. For more information on the appearance of this skin cancer form and its precursor, see Skin cancer: Symptoms.
Actinic Keratosis: Cause & Diagnosis
Actinic keratoses develop on skin areas that are too strong UV radiation (especially sunlight) were exposed. The skin changes often become visible only decades after the intensive exposure to sunlight: the UV light damages the skin cells and their genetic material. This results in altered cells (atypical cells), which multiply strongly in the upper skin layer – the horny layer thickens. This process is very slow over several years. Eventually, the cells can degenerate into a spinalioma.
How does the doctor recognize an actinic keratosis?
Even the sight of the skin lesions described above arouse the doctor’s suspicion of actinic keratosis. To be quite sure, the doctor also takes one tissue sample and has them examined histologically in the laboratory. Only then can you safely diagnose solar keratosis.
Actinic keratosis: therapy
The therapy depends on the location, size and extent of the skin changes. The age of the patient as well as possible comorbidities also influence the planning of therapy for actinic keratosis. Treatment and aftercare are performed by a dermatologist. The following treatment options are available:
- Surgical removal
- Icing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
- Ablation using a laser (e.g., erbium-yag laser)
- Removal with a sharp spoon or a ring curette (curettage)
- Applying corrosive solutions (chemical peeling)
- local chemotherapy (for example ointment with the cytostatic 5-fluorouracil)
- local immunotherapy (e.g., cream with the immuno-activating agent imiquimod)
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): Applying a photosensitizer (substance that makes the skin more sensitive to light) followed by long-wave light.
For more information on the treatment of actinic keratosis and the spinal biome, which can develop from it, see Skin cancer: treatment.
Actinic Keratosis: Prevention
Actinic keratosis is caused by UV radiation. Prevention is therefore easy: Do not expose your skin to intense sunlight (especially during the noon hours). So do not go for long sunbathing. If possible, stay in the shade (where you will also turn brown). Bald men often develop solar keratosis and should therefore wear a hat. Generally, it is advisable to protect the skin with textiles from intense sunlight. In addition, you should always use a sunscreen (with a high SPF). These tips are especially for people with a light skin type. Your skin is more sensitive to the sun than people with darker skin.
UV rays are not only in the sunlight, but can also be generated artificially – for example, in the solarium. To one Actinic keratosis and to avoid skin cancer, you should therefore do without the tanning bed.