Actinic Keratosis

By Nichole, Heather, and Kalee

Portion of Skin it Affects

It affects sun-damaged skin especially the face, cheeks, bridge of the nose, scalp, back of neck, upper chest, tops of the hands and forearms, lips.

It affects the outer layer of the epidermis

Implications

When cells are damaged by the sun, they cause changes in the skin texture and color, causing blotchiness, and bumps or lesions.

If left untreated, it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.

Symptoms/Signs

Irritated skin Itching or burning Rough, dry, scaly patch of skin Flat to slightly raised patch or bump

on the top layer of skin Hard, wart-like patch Color ranging from pink to red to

brown or even flesh colored

Who is affected?

Old people (50 years or older) but can occur in younger people.

Live in a sunny climate People who work outside more Have exposure to lots of sunlight Fair skinned or blue eyed people Have a weak immune system

Prevention

Wear sunscreen when outside Stay away from tanning booths The less sun exposure, the better.

Treatments

Dermatologists usually…-destroy the lesions- topical treatments -a new study is being done with cytotoxic and immunenhancing topicals and natural substances.