ACTINIC KERATOSIS Symptoms, Causes & Treatments



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ACTINIC KERATOSIS Symptoms, Causes & Treatments OVERVIEW An actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on your skin that develops from years of exposure to the sun. It’s most commonly found on your face, lips, ears, back of your hands, forearms, scalp or neck. Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis enlarges slowly and usually causes no signs or symptoms other than a patch or small spot on your skin. These patches take years to develop, usually first appearing in people over 40. A small percentage of actinic keratosis lesions can eventually become skin cancer. You can reduce your risk of actinic keratoses by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays. SYMPTOMS The signs and symptoms of an actinic keratosis include: • Rough, dry or scaly patch of skin, usually less than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter • Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin • In some cases, a hard, wartlike surface • Color as varied as pink, red or brown • Itching or burning in the affected area Actinic keratoses are found primarily on areas exposed to the sun, such as your face, lips, ears, hands, forearms, scalp and neck. CAUSES An actinic keratosis is caused by frequent or intense exposure to UV rays, from the sun or from tanning beds. TREATMENTS An actinic keratosis sometimes disappears on its own, but it typically returns after more sun exposure. Because it's impossible to tell which patches or lesions will develop into skin cancer, actinic keratoses are usually removed as a precaution. Medications If you have several actinic keratoses, you may be better served by treating the entire affected area. Prescription products that can be applied to your skin for this purpose include: • Fluorouracil cream. • Imiquimod cream. • Ingenol mebutate gel. • Diclofenac gel. These creams may cause redness, scaling or a burning sensation for a few weeks. Photodynamic therapy In photodynamic therapy, your doctor applies a chemical solution to the affected skin that makes it sensitive to light. He or she then exposes the area to artificial light to destroy the damaged skin cells. Side effects may include redness, swelling and a burning sensation during therapy. Surgical and other procedures If you have only a few actinic keratoses, your doctor may recommend removing them.

Published by: MedicTube Published at: 2 years ago Category: آموزشی