Is Actinic Keratosis Skin Cancer? What You Need to Know

We usually don’t pay much attention to common skin issues. Itching, dryness, redness, or small patches often get dismissed as minor irritations or infections. But a continuation of these skin changes can be an early sign of danger. Actinic keratosis is not a skin cancer, but it is a precancerous skin condition that happens because of long-term UV exposure. Although it's precancerous, you can still control it with the right care and guidance.

Does it share a link with cancer?

Actinic keratosis is not a skin cancer. But it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma if early signals are ignored. It damages your skin cells due to major sun exposure and leads to spots on areas like the face, scalp, ears, or neck. These are also the early symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma, and you cannot take them lightly. The occurrence of actinic keratosis is an early sign that damage has begun, and timely action is needed for prevention.

Early signs you should not ignore

Not all of your skin problems are linked to actinic keratosis. Its early symptoms are very common and easily ignored.

• Rough skin texture that is easier to feel.
• Crusty patches that appear dark.
• Pink or red colored spots.
• Lesions on sun-exposed areas.
• Mild itching on patches.

How do doctors confirm the diagnosis?

Before coming to any conclusion, doctors do a clinical examination of your skin. They often recognize actinic keratosis by feeling your skin and the patches that have formed. Along with this, they also check its location and your history of sun exposure before passing their judgment. Later, if your skin appears to be thicker or bleeding, a biopsy is needed. After a thorough process of tests and close observation, doctors decide the type of diagnosis according to your skin type and the stage of the disease.

Treatment options to look for

The type of treatment is finalized only after the confirmation of the disease. Doctors mainly use cryotherapy to freeze and remove the damaged cells from your skin. Medications are also prescribed that slowly clear your sun damage over time. Along with treatment, you can also apply moisturizer and sunscreen and wear soft clothes to protect yourself from further damage. The primary focus here is to repair your skin from long-term damage, rather than just removing spots.

Choose the right care

Skin changes are difficult to detect when they look and feel so common. It’s okay to feel lost or anxious at such times. But with the right care and clarity, you will stay informed and self-aware.