04 Apr Actinic and Seborrheic Keratosis
You’ve probably heard about common skin conditions like age spots, moles, warts, and rashes, but what about actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis? These are common skin conditions, and treatable at RefinedMD. Actinic keratosis presents as a scaly spot and is most often found on skin that’s been damaged by the sun’s UV rays. However, it’s critical to treat because it’s “precancerous” or otherwise known as an early types of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Keep in mind that squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common kinds of skin cancers and is not nearly as deadly as melanoma when caught and treated early. When squamous cell carcinoma and its precursor actinic keratosis is caught early, a simple in-office biopsy and removal of the area is all that’s needed. Actinic keratosis is most often found in people with fair skin and a history of sunburns, those who spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, patients with poor immune systems, those with photoaging skin, and anyone who has lived in the tropics or subtropics.
Do I Have Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis occurs as a bump because it’s reflecting abnormal skin cell development caused by DNA damage from UVB rays. Some patients have a single spot while others have multiple actinic keratoses. These spots often look flat and thick with a plaque on top of them. They might look like a wart and be white or yellow in color. Other actinic keratoses are the same color as the skin, brown like a mole, or red. Some patients present with a spot that’s scaly or looks like a horn, and in some circumstances the spot might be tender. In other words, actinic keratosis can look and present in many ways, which is why it’s important to see a dermatologist for any spot.
You’ll most often find actinic keratosis on the backs of the hands, the face, and on the scalp for those with little or no hair. If a patient has spent significant amounts of time in the sun or a tanning bed, actinic keratosis might also be on the trunk, tops of the feet, or the arms and legs. An important factor with actinic keratosis is to remember that it’s a predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma—it does not necessarily mean that a patient has this type of skin cancer just yet. The more actinic keratoses a patient has, the more likely they are to develop squamous cell carcinoma. It’s most common for a patient with 10+ actinic keratoses to develop squamous cell carcinoma. If the spot is tender, thick, rapidly growing or ulcerated that’s a sign that skin cancer may be present.
Risk Factors with Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis is caused by sun damage, and those with this condition are also at a higher risk of other conditions including actinic cheilitis and other types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. A dermatologist can quickly diagnose actinic keratosis, and sometimes a biopsy will be ordered to ensure squamous cell carcinoma is not present. If a biopsy isn’t necessary but you’d still like to remove actinic keratosis because of cosmetic concerns, there are options.
A dermatologist can remove actinic keratosis, and the exact approach will depend on the presentation of the spot and your skin. Options may include cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen to freeze away the spot. Shaving or electrocautery may be recommended to scrape or burn away the spot. An excision completely removes actinic keratosis and often requires stitching. This might be an option for a large area or if a biopsy is recommended. If there is a lingering spot or scar after removal, there are also dermatology treatments to minimize this appearance such as laser skin rejuvenation.
Preventing actinic keratosis is simple: avoid sun exposure and properly apply a broadband sunscreen to the entire exposed skin every time you’re outside. Reapply sunscreen every 75 minutes. If you suspect you have actinic keratosis, consider it a reminder to stick with a good sunscreen regimen and contact us today for a screening.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Most people have not heard of this condition unless they have been diagnosed with it. Although it is completely harmless and benign, these scaly skin growths are often confused for suspicious moles. Seborrheic keratosis can occur anywhere on the body and is usually skin-colored or just slightly darker than a person’s natural skin tone. It is rough to the touch and can be slightly raised. These spots can appear at any age and can sometimes grow quickly in size, understandably alarming the patient. However, unlike dangerous moles, their quick growth rate is nothing to worry about from a medical standpoint.
Still, they can be unsightly. For those who opt to remove them, there are a few approaches including prescription topical treatments. Re-treatment may be necessary depending on the patient and degree of the spot. However, re-treatment can only be applied once any reactions have faded. Only a dermatologist can recommend, prescribe, and monitor usage of topicals
Another option for removing these spots is via extraction. An excision (via scalpel) may be recommended, and in some cases “burning” the spot might be the best approach. This very minor surgery is similar to having a mole biopsied. However, scarring and/or discoloration may occur. These side effects can be treated if desired, often via laser or a topical treatment. If you’re concerned about any spot, a skin check is in order. Schedule yours today by calling RefinedMD or filling out the online form.