Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Sarasota, FL

Actinic Keratosis Treatment Sarasota FL

Skin health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. While there is much discussion of how to age gracefully with various cosmetic dermatology treatments, no skin appearance improvement can outweigh the benefits of dermatologic health. This includes knowing and managing your risk of developing skin cancer.

One factor that increases your skin cancer risk is the presence of actinic keratoses (AKs). 

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, 10-15% of AKs turn into skin cancer. That said, most cases of diagnosed squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) begin as AKs.

Even though 10-15% sounds low, you can still benefit from talking to a dermatologist about those spots or rough patches on your skin.

Here at SkinSmart Dermatology® in Sarasota, led by Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, we provide comprehensive medical dermatology care, identifying and addressing potential problems before they become serious concerns. Call us at 941-308-7546 to schedule a consultation today.

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a common premalignant skin lesion. It occurs when the keratinocytes, which comprise 90 percent of the epidermis, change their size, shape, or organization in a process called cutaneous dysplasia. This alters the texture of the skin surface and may extend deeper into the dermis.

Actinic keratosis is the result of excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. The two most common forms of exposure are the sun and indoor tanning. Usually, because UV light affects the skin cells far beneath the surface, one AK indicates several more.

Having actinic keratosis puts you at risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer that can be invasive. With early treatment, you can prevent this issue.

Actinic Keratosis Causes

Actinic keratosis is a lesion typically caused by chronic exposure to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet light, and is, therefore, mainly found on areas of the body most frequently exposed to the sun. While not a skin cancer, if left untreated, it may develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer capable of metastasizing and even resulting in death. Although not dangerous in itself, actinic keratosis must always be taken seriously and examined and treated by a dermatologist.

A close-up shot of an actinic keratosis lesion

Actinic Keratosis Symptoms

An actinic keratosis appears as a scaly reddish or tan lesion on the epidermis or surface layer of the skin. It may manifest as rough or scaly skin, bumps, mottled patterns, or protrusions called cutaneous horns. Actinic keratoses usually appear on the face, including the ears and lips, or on the neck, arms, and hands. The lesions may range in size from a pinpoint to several centimeters in diameter and may be yellow, brown, red, or violet in color and smooth, wrinkled, or furrowed in texture.

This form of sun damage may look like a crusty or scaly patch of dry skin. Actinic keratoses may be one of several colors, such as red, pink, white, dark tan, or even flesh-toned. Some AK lesions are flat and rough, and others are raised. They can appear on any part of the body that receives too much sun exposure. Common areas include the scalp, face, nose, lips, ears, neck, shoulders, forearms, and backs of the hands. It is not uncommon for an AK to form on the lower lip. This is called actinic cheilitis.

Risk Factors for an Actinic Keratosis

A close-up shot of a form that says "Actinic Keratosis: Are You At Risk?"

Fair-skinned individuals aged 40 to 50 are more prone to actinic keratosis. Nonetheless, individuals of any age may develop such lesions, particularly in warm, sunny climates. Teenagers are often diagnosed with the condition. Actinic keratosis is also more likely to occur in individuals who spend a great deal of time in the sun or frequent tanning parlors.

How Is Actinic Keratosis Diagnosed?

You should always consult a dermatologist about suspicious skin lesions. Unless the physician immediately identifies the lesion as benign, they may perform a small, painless surgical biopsy to determine whether it is premalignant or cancerous. The biopsy procedure occurs in the doctor's office. A pathology report will be available in a week or two to determine whether further treatment is necessary.

Actinic Keratosis Treatments

Depending on the location and severity of the lesion, you can treat actinic keratosis in many ways. The patient and doctor will decide on the methodology in consultation. These may include:

  • Cryotherapy, or freezing
  • Curettage, or scraping
  • Application of cream or ointment
  • Chemical peeling

How Can I Find Out Which Treatment Option is Best for Me?

If you have noticed signs of sun damage on sun-exposed areas of your body, schedule an appointment with us! The best way to better understand your skin is to consult an experienced provider like those at SkinSmart Dermatology.

During your consultation and examination, your doctor can show you what to look for to spot abnormalities in your skin. You can also obtain answers to questions about sun damage and your overall skin health and learn about the different treatment options that would be appropriate for your situation. Your doctor will help you decide by considering all relevant factors that could affect your treatment outcome.

Actinic Keratosis Prevention

Individuals with a history of actinic keratosis are at higher risk of developing new lesions and squamous cell carcinoma. Regular full-body skin checks with a dermatologist are essential to mitigate this risk.

Since sun exposure is the leading cause of AK, prevention focuses on avoiding sun damage. This includes wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, reapplying it during prolonged exposure, and wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Patients should also avoid tanning parlors.

While sunlight cannot be entirely avoided, especially in a sunny place like Sarasota, these precautions help protect the skin, especially around the face and eyes.

FAQs

How Can I Differentiate Actinic Keratosis From Other Skin Conditions Like Eczema or Psoriasis?

To differentiate actinic keratosis from other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, you must understand their distinct characteristics, causes, and presentation.

Actinic Keratosis

  • Cause: Long-term sun exposure and UV damage.
  • Appearance: Rough, scaly, or crusty patches, often less than 1 inch wide.
  • Color: Red, pink, or flesh-colored, sometimes with a whitish scale.
  • Location: Often found on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, and forearms.
  • Texture: Feels rough, like sandpaper.
  • Symptoms: Usually painless but may itch, sting, or burn.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

  • Cause: Autoimmune and environmental factors, like allergens or irritants.
  • Appearance: Red, inflamed, and itchy patches; may have oozing or crusting during flare-ups.
  • Color: Red to brownish-gray patches.
  • Location: Often appears on flexural areas (inside elbows, behind knees) and hands.
  • Texture: Dry, cracked, or leathery, with variable thickness.
  • Symptoms: Intense itching.

Psoriasis

  • Cause: Autoimmune condition leading to rapid skin cell turnover.
  • Appearance: Thick, raised, and well-defined plaques with silvery-white scales.
  • Color: Pink, red, or salmon-colored patches with white scaling.
  • Location: Common on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and nails.
  • Texture: Scaly and rough but smooth underneath the scales.
  • Symptoms: Often itchy; plaques can crack and bleed.

What Happens if I Don't Treat Actinic Keratosis?

Untreated actinic keratosis can pose significant risks and complications over time. Here's what may happen:

  • Progression to Skin Cancer: Actinic keratosis is considered a precancerous condition. If untreated, about 10-15% of AKs can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. SCC can invade deeper tissues and, in rare cases, spread to other body parts.
  • Growth and Spread: AK lesions may enlarge and become thicker or more scaly. Over time, new AKs can develop on other sun-damaged areas.
  • Increased Symptoms: At first, AK may be asymptomatic, but untreated lesions can:
    • Become tender or painful.
    • Itch, sting, or bleed.
    • Develop into rough, warty, or ulcerated patches that interfere with daily comfort.
  • Cosmetic Concerns: AK often appears on visible areas like the face, scalp, or hands. Lesions may affect the appearance and texture of the skin, causing self-consciousness.

How Often Should Someone With a History of Actinic Keratosis Get a Skin Check?

If you have a history of actinic keratosis, dermatologists generally recommend the following for skin checks:

  • Full-Body Skin Checks
    • Schedule a full-body skin exam every 6 to 12 months.
  • Self-Examinations
    • Perform a monthly self-skin check at home to watch for:
      • New rough, scaly patches.
      • Changes in size, color, or texture of existing AKs.
      • Lesions that become tender, bleed, or fail to heal.

If you have the following risk factors, more regular checks may be necessary:

  • Many AK lesions or extensive sun exposure history.
  • Fair skin, light eyes, or a tendency to sunburn easily.
  • A family or personal history of skin cancer.
  • Immunosuppression (e.g., organ transplant patients).

Is There a Link Between Actinic Keratosis and Melanoma?

Actinic keratosis and melanoma are both linked to sun exposure and UV damage. However, they are distinct skin conditions with different pathways. Here's what you need to know about their relationship:

  • AK results from cumulative UV damage. Melanoma comes from genetic mutations in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells.
  • AK can progress into squamous cell carcinoma, not melanoma.
  • AK itself does not cause melanoma. However, its presence indicates significant sun damage and an increased risk for other skin cancers, including melanoma.

Why Choose SkinSmart Dermatology?

SkinSmart Dermatology is a state-of-the-art facility founded in 2005 by Dr. Elizabeth Callahan. Our comprehensive practice features several experienced medical practitioners, including two board-certified dermatologists and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, two Physician Assistants, and a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner.

From cutting-edge anti-aging treatments to leading-edge cosmetic rejuvenation, we ensure you look and feel your best. For patients needing skin cancer care, we also specialize in Mohs surgery, the most effective treatment for skin cancer.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you have actinic keratosis and are seeking treatment, visit SkinSmart Dermatology. Our providers, including Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, are experienced in treating this condition and have served the Sarasota community for over 15 years.

At SkinSmart Dermatology, we treat various skin problems and care for every patient with a personal touch. Schedule an appointment by calling 941-308-7546 or filling out the form on our contact page.

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