Actinic keratosis lesions being the result of skin damaged by ultraviolet rays, they are therefore necessarily found on the parts of the body most often exposed to the sun, namely the face, ears, balding scalp, arms and hands.
The size of the lesions can vary between 3 and 10 millimeters and it may occasionally be noted that the skin surrounding the lesions is also damaged and presents other types of dark spots, small burst blood vessels, etc. Although for most actinic keratosis is painless, some lesions may sting or burn in some.
Among the risk factors for actinic keratosis other than exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, being the number one risk factor, we note advanced age (over 40 years), paler skin (people with red hair or blond) as well as the male sex. It is important to understand, however, that exposure to the sun is THE main cause of actinic keratosis and therefore that people working outdoors or anyone more exposed to the sun (or commercial solar lamps such as tanning beds) are at risk of developing this. type of lesions. Actinic keratosis is the result of an alteration in the genetic material of skin cells due to the effects of UV rays and these mutations cause the cells to grow abnormally, causing the formation of the lesions. The most common complication of actinic keratosis is skin cancer.
Indeed, untreated lesions risk invading the deeper layer of the skin and developing a form of so-called “squamous cell” cancer. If left untreated, this type of cancer can spread further and reach other parts of the body. A dermatologist will be able to make a diagnosis of actinic keratosis and will carry out the necessary treatment and will be able, in certain cases, to suggest more in-depth examinations such as a biopsy. It must be understood, however, that in addition to visible lesions on the surface of the skin, actinic keratosis can also present non-visible lesions, called “subclinical”, which reinforces the importance of consulting a health professional. if you suspect you have actinic keratosis.
Some tips for caring for skin with actinic keratosis
1) Always protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen but also by putting forward other strategies such as using hats, favoring shade, wearing clothing that covers the surface of the skin.
2) Consult a healthcare professional and treat your actinic keratosis lesions to prevent them from progressing into a form of skin cancer.
3) Avoid tanning salons and other sun lamps.
4) Avoid scratching or handling the lesions present so as not to further damage the skin.
5) Pay attention to the appearance of new lesions or changes in the appearance of common lesions (bleeding, change in appearance (size and texture), irritation and pain, etc.) and consult a dermatologist if you notice these changes.
Myths and facts about actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis only affects adults
Actinic keratosis mainly affects adults since their skin has been more exposed to UV rays. That said, it is not completely excluded that a child could be affected, although it is rather rare. It is important to note, however, that prevention of actinic keratosis begins at a young age and that children’s skin must therefore be properly protected from UV rays in order to limit long-term damage.
All actinic keratosis lesions will progress to skin cancer
We currently do not know the exact percentage of untreated actinic keratosis lesions that will progress to skin cancer, however, according to certain scientific studies, it is observed that 60% to 65% of skin cancers have been diagnosed in individuals with a history of actinic keratosis. There are several individual factors that can influence the progression of actinic keratosis to skin cancer and therefore it is very difficult to make predictions to this effect, which is why it is important to treat actinic keratosis properly.
Actinic keratosis is just little age spots on the skin!
Actinic keratosis is not linked to old age but rather to skin damage caused by chronic exposure to the sun. It is observed more in people aged forty and over because they have obviously had a longer exposure to the sun than younger people. That said, an elderly person who has taken care to protect their skin from UV rays throughout their life will have a lower risk of suffering from actinic keratosis despite their older age.
No need to worry about a few spots on my skin!
As mentioned, actinic keratosis certainly presents with reddish, rough and scaly lesions on the surface of the skin, but several other non-visible lesions, deep in the skin, can also be present and sometimes in addition large number. Let’s say that what is visible on the surface of the skin is only the tip of an iceberg and that it is therefore important, without being alarmed, to take action to obtain a diagnosis and a treatment plan from a health professional to adequately treat actinic keratosis to prevent the risk of skin cancer.
UV and UVB rays from computer screens and other electronic items are as harmful as those from the sun
There is no current data to suggest that radiation from computer screens or other electronic devices may contribute to the development of actinic keratosis.
Actinic Keratosis Treatment Options
Although prevention is the best weapon against actinic keratosis, there are different types of treatments to limit the damage and reduce the risk of progression into cancerous squamous cells. A dermatologist will be able to offer you the best treatment depending on the number of lesions to be treated as well as their location, but also your age and your overall state of health.
Cryotherapy: Technique that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the lesion to destroy it. This technique is usually used when there are only a few localized lesions. This technique makes it possible to treat only lesions visible on the surface of the skin and can, in certain people, cause permanent depigmentation (discoloration) of the skin in the treated areas.
Surgery: Technique which consists of removing actinic keratosis by excision, under local anesthesia. This technique is usually used in cases of doubt about skin cancer and allows analysis of the excised lesion. This technique makes it possible to treat only lesions visible on the surface of the skin.
Dynamic phototherapy: Technique which consists of the application of a photo-sensitizing cream, followed by illumination using a red LED beam, thus causing a photochemical reaction which destroys actinic keratosis. This technique makes it possible to treat both visible lesions on the surface of the skin as well as non-visible ones.
Topical treatments: There are different cream treatments for actinic keratosis. Creams are usually used when multiple lesions are present. The creams also offer more complete treatment of visible and non-visible lesions. Your dermatologist will help you choose the appropriate topical treatment for your condition.
In conclusion, actinic keratosis is the result of intense and prolonged sun exposure over time. In some cases, actinic keratosis lesions will progress to skin cancer, so it is important to treat actinic keratosis and prevent new lesions from appearing.
*It is important to understand that actinic keratosis is a marker of skin cancer that must be taken seriously and for which prevention through effective sun protection is essential.
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