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Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a condition where the skin develops rough patches due to prolonged exposure to the sun's rays. While these patches are generally not serious and may resolve without intervention, it is crucial to monitor them, as there is a potential, albeit small, for them to evolve into skin cancer.

Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis typically manifests on sun-exposed areas such as the face, forearms, hands, scalp, ears, and lower legs. The affected patches can exhibit various characteristics:

Color variations from red, pink, brown to the same tone as the skin

A rough or scaly texture, often compared to sandpaper

A flat or slightly raised surface, sometimes resembling warts

Sizes ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters

May be sore or itchy

When to Consult Your GP

It is advisable to see your general practitioner (GP) if you notice:

An unusual skin growth that raises concerns

A skin patch or lump that rapidly enlarges, becomes painful, or starts bleeding

A recurrence of actinic keratosis, suspecting a new patch

Differentiating actinic keratosis from other skin conditions like warts or cancerous lesions can be challenging. Your GP can perform an initial assessment by examining your skin and may refer you to a dermatologist for further evaluation if necessary.

Treatment Options for Actinic Keratosis

Treatment discussions with your GP are essential, as they can guide you on the best course of action based on the number, location, and appearance of the patches. Treatment may not always be immediate; in some cases, regular monitoring of the patches with follow-up if changes occur is recommended.

If the patches are bothersome or there is a risk of them becoming cancerous, your doctor may suggest specific treatments or refer you to a skin specialist. It's important to understand the benefits and potential risks, including side effects or scarring, associated with each treatment option.

Skin Care for Actinic Keratosis

Protecting your skin from the sun is vital if you have actinic keratosis. Sun protection can reduce the likelihood of new patches forming and may lower the risk of skin cancer development. To safeguard your skin:

Wear clothing and hats that cover your skin during summer

Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 before sun exposure

Seek shade or stay indoors during peak sun hours (typically between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm)

In addition, daily use of moisturizing creams can prevent skin dryness.

Cancer Risk Associated with Actinic Keratosis

While the risk is small, there is a chance that untreated actinic keratosis could progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The risk escalates with a greater number of patches and longer duration of the condition. Studies indicate that individuals with multiple patches have approximately a 10% chance of developing skin cancer within a decade of the initial appearance of actinic keratosis.

Warning signs of cancerous transformation include rapid growth, pain, or bleeding of the patches.应立即就医。If you experience these symptoms or notice any new patches or lumps, consult your GP promptly. SCC is generally treatable when detected early.