Actinic keratosis
Alternative Names
Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar)Symptoms
- Rough and dry textured skin lesion
- A macule, patch, or growth on the skin
- Limited to a discrete area (localized)
- Located on the face, scalp, back of the hands, chest or other sun-exposed areas
- Gray, pink, red (erythematous), or the same color as the skin
- Initially flat and scaly on the surface, becoming slightly raised
- Becoming hard and wart-like or gritty, rough, and "sandpapery" -- may develop a horn-like texture from overgrowth of skin keratin layer (hyperkeratosis)
Exams and Tests
The health care provider bases the diagnosis on the appearance of the skin growth. A skin biopsy could reveal signs of cancerous changes, if present.
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