Constant exposure of the skin to ultraviolet sunlight can cause dry, rough, and scaly patches or lesions to form on the outermost layer of the skin, or in other words, causing a condition known as Actinic Keratoses to develop. The characteristics of AK lesions are typically defined by the skin tone, which turns to a red and brown color, and by the size of the lesion, which can range from pinhead size to bigger than a quarter. This condition is also called precancers, solar keratosis, or sun spots. They form usually from the years of sun exposure, which cause affected skin cells to take changes in size, shape, and the way they are organized.
Therefore, Actinic Keratoses are most likely to appear on areas of the face that are most exposed to sunlight, such as the face, lips, hands and arms. The cellular damage created from AKs can sometimes extend to the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. This is a more serious sign and one should take immediate action to have a dermatologist diagnose the problem. If immediate action is not taken Actinic Keratoses can lead to more significant levels of pre skin cancer. The step before Actinic Keratoses is squamous cell carcinoma, about 10 percent of it advances to squamous cell carcinoma. Might sound like a low percentage but if untreated it can lead to other parts of the surrounding skin and can become more dangerous.
Actinic Keratosis can be the initial sign in the development of more serious skin cancer, and, therefore, it is important to have any symptoms of this condition diagnosed by an experienced dermatologist. For more information, top Los Angeles dermatologist and skin care specialist, Dr. Umar in Redondo Beach, can consult with you and determine the best plan for you to treat your AK condition. Apart from the usual dermatologist treatment, Dr. Umar uses protocols that include: 5-FU, liquid nitrogen, Aldara, etc. Dr. Umar can also treat the AK condition using photodynamic treatment with the Clear Light-100 laser and photosensitizers. The result is the elimination of pre-cancers as well as the rejuvenation of your skin.