Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous skin condition, which is caused by sun exposure or other sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. AK manifests as a scaly or crusty growth on the face, scalp, lips, or hands, usually including redness and itching. It is most common in people with light skin and is an important sign of skin damage from the sun. Early treatment with creams and other medications can prevent the development of a more serious type of skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratosis is a serious health concern, so people should be aware of the risks associated with sun exposure and practice sun protection habits such as avoiding the sun during peak hours and wearing sun-protective clothing and sunscreen. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing it from progressing to skin cancer.