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A textured, sandpaper-like area, bump or reddened mark commonly found on skin surfaces frequently exposed to sunlight, including the face, ears, neck, hands and forearms.
What is it?
Actinic keratosis, or solar keratosis, is a common skin condition we treat at The Skin Care Center. It's often caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial tanning sources like sun lamps or tanning beds. These precancerous growths present as red, pink or brown spots on sun-exposed areas like the face, lips, ears, neck, hands, arms and shoulders.
This condition is prevalent, especially among adults who experience prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. Minimizing sun exposure and protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is important to decrease the risk of developing actinic keratosis. Even during the colder months in areas like Lake Forest, Glenview and Chicago, Illinois, sunlight can still cause damage. Therefore, it's crucial to use sunscreen with SPF 30+ and restrict your time under the sun's rays to safeguard your skin's health.
How is it treated?
Failure to treat actinic keratoses can potentially lead to the development of squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Our experienced team of doctors at The Skin Care Center conduct comprehensive examinations of any concerning areas on your skin and ensure prompt and safe treatment. We commonly remove these growths using techniques such as a cooling procedure, medicated topical creams, gels or cryotherapy.
If you notice any new or changing spots on your skin, don't delay scheduling an appointment in our Lake Forest, Glenview or Chicago, Illinois, offices. Your proactive approach can help prevent serious health issues in the future.