What are Actinic Keratoses?
Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are rough-textured, dry, scaly patches on the skin caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as sunlight. They are often referred to as "sun spots" and they occur most frequently on sun exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands and arms. They form on the outermost layer of skin and they can range in color from skin toned to reddish brown. They can also range in size from as small as a pinhead to larger than a quarter. More than 5 million Americans have AK lesions, with the majority occurring primarily in fair skinned individuals.

Who gets AKs?
AKs develop as the result of years of sun exposure. Because it accumulates over time, it is your lifetime exposure that increases your risk. Even if you didn't sun-tan much, years of just doing simple tasks outside (e.g. going out to the mailbox, sports, etc.) all add up to a significant amount of sun exposure. Because AKs take a long time to develop, they generally appear after the age of 40. Your risk of developing AKs increases if you have one or more of the risk factors. These risk factors include:

 - A history of cumulative sun exposure
 - Fair skin
 - Blond or red hair, in particular if combined with blue, hazel or green eyes
 - A tendency to freckle or burn after sun exposure
 - A weakened immune system

What do AK's look like?
Approximately 90% of the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) is made up of tough walled cells called keratinocytes. It is these cells that give the skin its texture. When keratinocytes are exposed to years of sunlight, cell damage can occur. These cells then change in size, shape, as well as the way they are organized. AKs may range in appearance. They can be light or dark, the same color as one's skin, tan, pink, red, or even a combination of these. They can also range in size and texture.

Why treat AKs?
AKs are considered to be the first step in the development of skin cancer. They have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma which is generally not life threatening if detected and treated early. In most cases, when AKs and all types of skin cancers are caught in the early stages, they are treatable and curable. That is why it is so important for individuals with AKs to be under a physician's care. Frequent skin examinations are the key to early detection.

                       Full Circle Family Medicine
                           435 East Statesville Ave.
                       Mooresville, NC  28115-2598