التقران السفعي (Actinic keratosis)

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Actinic keratosis

 

(Diseases)

This page provides everythingSolar Keratosisyou need to knowKeratinous Keratosisabout actinic keratosis.Squamous Cell Carcinoma”.

 

What is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis or “keratinous keratosis”, is a skin disorder that causes rough, scaly patches on the skin, usually ranging in size from 1 to 2 cm. Actinic keratosis is considered a type of precancerous lesion, which means that if left untreated, it may develop into cancer. Without treatment, actinic keratosis can progress to a type of skin cancer known as “squamous cell carcinoma”.

  • What are the symptoms of actinic keratosis?
  • The first signs of actinic keratosis usually involve the appearance of rough, raised bumps on the skin. These can vary in color but often have a yellow or brown crust on top. These bumps may appear:
  • Gray.
  • Pink.
  • Red.
  • Skin-colored.
  • Other symptoms include:
  • Bleeding.
  • Burning, tingling, or itching.
  • Dry, cracked lips.
  • Horn-like skin growths.

 

Loss of color in the lips.

Pain or tendernessUVto the touch.Keratinocytes”.

 

What causes actinic keratosis?

The most common cause of actinic keratosis is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which come from the sun or artificial tanning devices, such as tanning beds. UV rays can damage the outer layer of skin cells, known as “keratinocytes”.

  • How is actinic keratosis diagnosed?
  • The doctor takes a medical history, then performs a physical exam. Additional procedures may be requested if needed, such as:

 

Careful skin examination using magnifying devices.

If the doctor is unsure or the skin looks abnormal, a skin biopsy may be recommended.

  • What are the treatment options for actinic keratosis?Chemical peels”:

Treatment depends on the number and appearance of lesions. The doctor may remove the spots during a clinic visit using one or more of the following methods:

Chemical peels:

This procedure is similar to a medical face mask, where the doctor applies a chemical substance during the visit.

  • The chemicals destroy the unwanted spots safely in the upper skin layer.Cryotherapy”:

The treated area will be painful and red for a few days. As the skin heals, a new, healthy layer will emerge.

Cryotherapy:

  • If the patient has one or two lesions, the doctor may use cryotherapy.Excision”:

In this treatment, the doctor uses a cold substance like liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin growths.

Within a few days, the lesions will blister and peel off.

Excision:

  • In this treatment, the doctor numbs the skin around the lesionPhotodynamic therapy”:

then scrapes or cuts it out and stitches the area.

The wound typically heals within 2 to 3 weeks.

Photodynamic therapy:

 

If there are many actinic keratoses or if they recur, the doctor may recommend photodynamic therapy.

This treatment uses creams and special lightUVto destroy the precancerous skin cells.

  • The patient will need to stay out of the sun for a few days while the skin heals.
  • How canSPFactinic keratosisUVAbe prevented?UVB”.
  • The best way to prevent actinic keratosis is to avoid prolonged UV exposure. You can protect your skin by:
  • Applying sunscreen daily, even in cloudy weather or during winter, and reapplying it regularly (at least every two hours).
  • Using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

 

Avoiding sun exposure when UV rays are strongest, between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Staying away from tanning salons and beds.

  • Wearing sun-protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • What are the complications of actinic keratosis?
  • Although there are various treatments, none are free of risks. Possible side effects of treatment include:
  • Pain.
  • Inflammation.
  • Wound healing issues.

 

Pigmentation changes.

Scarring.

  • Other possible complications include recurrence of the lesion or progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
  • When should you see a doctor?
  • The risk of developing skin cancer is lower if actinic keratosis is treated promptly. See a doctor if you notice:

 

Bleeding, blisters, tingling, or itching on the skin.

Horn-like skin growths.

Rough, raised, or red patches on the skin.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take for actinic keratosis to go away?

  • The duration depends on the size and number of lesions. It may take up to three months to disappear after treatment ends.
  • Who is most at risk of developing actinic keratosis?
  • People who do not protect their skin from sun exposure are at higher risk. The risk also increases if the person:

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