Actinic Keratosis

A rough, scaly, or slightly raised patch that keeps coming back no matter what lotion you use is often something called an actinic keratosis, a common result of years of sun exposure. It's not something to panic about, but it is something we take seriously, since it's considered a precancerous change and is worth having assessed and treated rather than left alone. We look at the spot directly to confirm what it is before deciding on treatment.

An actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch of skin that develops after years of cumulative sun exposure damages skin cells, most often showing up on the face, ears, scalp, hands, or forearms. It's classified as precancerous, meaning that while most actinic keratoses never progress any further, a small number can develop into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. That's why dermatologists generally recommend treating them once they're identified, rather than waiting to see what happens. They tend to be more common in fair skinned individuals and in anyone with a long history of sun exposure or sunburns.

Because actinic keratosis is a precancerous change, having it properly identified and treated by a board-certified dermatologist matters more here than with most cosmetic concerns. Our providers combine that medical dermatology expertise with straightforward, well established treatment, backed by active clinical trials and research informed care, so nothing gets left unaddressed.