fbpx

Actinic Keratosis

Medical Dermatology

Actinic Keratosis, or AKs, is also referred to as solar keratosis or senile keratosis. AKs is a patch of skin that can be thick, scaly, and crusty that occur on those who frequently are in the sun or go to tanning beds. When the skin is badly damaged from ultraviolet (UV) rays, and cannot repair itself, AKs will form.

Actinic Keratosis

Signs and Symptoms

Most people who suffer from AKs do not actually exhibit any symptoms, but notices changes in their skin. The symptoms to watch out for are:

  • the skin feels rough to the touch even though there is no discoloration
  • if the rough skin feels painful when touched or rubbed
  • when a patch of skin itches and burns regularly
  • if your lips are constantly dry

These symptoms, as well as an AK itself, can disappear after a while, or come and go. It is important to still have check ups because AKs are known to return in a few days or even a few weeks, especially after spending time outdoors without sun protection. The damage from AKs can grow deeper into the skin which can cause cancer. That’s why it’s so important to see a dermatologist if you see any of these symptoms, even if the AK disappears before your appointment.

Causes

AKs are caused by ultraviolet rays. If you have an outdoor job, spend a large amount of time outdoors, or go to tanning beds, you are at higher risk of getting AKs. Everyone’s skin gets damaged by the UV rays from the sun. The difference is when we’re younger  our skin heals itself faster. As the damage piles up with age, skin conditions like AKs can appear.

Some traits make AKs more common such as:

  • Fair skin
  • Natural blond or redhead
  • Natural blue, green, or hazel eyes
  • Prone to freckles or sunburns
  • Over the age of 40
  • Weakened immune system caused by disease or organ transplants
  • Sensitivity to UV rays
  • Working with coal or tar or other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as roofers
  • Living in an area with intense sunlight all year light California or Florida

Treatment

A dermatologist can diagnose an AK with a simple examination. If anything in the exam appears to be skin cancer, a biopsy will take place. There are many at home and in office treatment for AKs and many patients use a combination of treatments. It’s best to have your dermatologist decide what is ideal for you and your situation. Common treatments include:

  • Curettage: An instrament called a curette is used to remove the AK
  • Cryotherapy: Visible AKs are destroyed by freezing them away.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A blue light therapy is used after a solution is applied to the troubled area that makes the skin sensitive to light. The blue light activates the solution.
  • Chemical Peel: These medical peels are different from what you can get at a spa because it’s a lot stronger and can destroy the top layer of skin.
  • Prescription medication

After all these treatments, new and healthy skin regrows in place of the AK.

Schedule a Consultation with Anne Marie Johnson, ConsultantChoose a visit type to schedule a consultation with Anne Marie Johnson, Consultant

Anne Marie Johnson, Consultant
Anne Marie Johnson, Consultant

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule Appointment with Xarlyn Rantung, NP-CChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Xarlyn Rantung, NP-C

Xarlyn Rantung, NP-C
Xarlyn Rantung, NP-C

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule Appointment with Jessica Arnold, NP-CChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Jessica Arnold, NP-C

Jessica Arnold, NP-C
Jessica Arnold, NP-C

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule Appointment with Joshua Holcombe PA-CChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Joshua Holcombe PA-C

Joshua Holocombe PA-C
Joshua Holocombe PA-C

Please choose the type of appointment:

Schedule Appointment with Kara Crane NP-CChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Kara Crane, NP-C

Kara Crane, NP-C
Kara Crane, NP-C

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule AppointmentChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Christian Jordan, M.D., PH.D.

Christian S. Jordan, MD, PH.D
Christian S. Jordan, MD, PH.D

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule AppointmentChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Elaine Woo-Gallagher, NP-C

Elaine Woo-Gallagher, NP-C

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule AppointmentChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Dr. Anand Bhupathy

Anand Bhupathy, MD

Please choose the type of appointment:

Schedule AppointmentChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Chloe Rayos, NP-C

Chloe Rayos, NP-C

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule an Appointment with Kelly Akins, EstheticianChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Kelly Akins, Esthetician

Kelly Akins, Esthetician
Kelly Akins, Esthetician

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule an Appointment with Adriana Ortiz, EstheticianChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Adriana Ortiz, Esthetician

Adriana Ortiz, Esthetician
Adriana Ortiz, Esthetician

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule an Appointment with Lorena Zendejas, EstheticianChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Lorena Zendejas, Esthetician

Lorena Zendejas, Esthetician
Lorena Zendejas, Esthetician

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Schedule AppointmentChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Todd McCoy, NPC

Todd McCoy, NP-BC

Please choose the type of appointment:

Schedule AppointmentChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment with Mimi Vutran

Phi-Yen “Mimi” VuTran, PA-C
Phi-Yen “Mimi” VuTran, PA-C

Please choose the type of appointment:

 

Request a Hair Transplant Consultation Day AppointmentFill in your info and we will contact you to schedule your consultation.


Consultation Request for March SpecialsFill in your info and our experienced staff will call you to set up a consultation.


Appointment Request for Our La Quinta Lasers SpecialsFill in your info and our experienced staff will call you to set up an appointment.

Request a Lipo 360 Flash Sale ConsultationFill in your info and tap Send! Our experienced team will call you to schedule.


Schedule an Appointment in Palm SpringsChoose a visit type to schedule an appointment in Palm Springs
 

Request a CoolSculpting Consultation Day AppointmentFill in your info and we will contact you to schedule your consultation.

Request a Patient Portal LinkFill in your info and tap send. We will send you a link to the patient portal via email and text message.


Consultation RequestFill in your info and our experienced staff will call you to set up a consultation.


Sign UpTo receive our up to date information and deals


[gravityform id="8" name="Contact Form" description="false"]

Appointment RequestFill in your info and our experienced staff will call you to set up an appointment.


Career Center Contact FormFill in your info and our team will contact you.

 

Privacy Preferences
When you visit our website, it may store information through your browser from specific services, usually in form of cookies. Here you can change your privacy preferences. Please note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our website and the services we offer.