Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common type of precancerous skin lesion.

An actinic keratosis is evidence that sun damage has occurred and that the individual is at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Actinic keratosis normally occurs on the skin that has had the most sun damage like the face, lips, ears, scalp, neck, back of the hands, shoulders, forearms and back.

Actinic keratosis usually appear as small crusty, scaly bumps ranging in size from 1 mm to 1 inch. They are dry and rough to the touch and can be raw or sensitive. If actinic keratosis are treated early, they can almost always be completely removed before turning into skin cancer. However, if left untreated, actinic keratosis may develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

If you have any concerns about your skin and damage caused by sun damage then please book a consultation with us today.