A skin abnormality or lesion that develops due to excessive sun damage is called actinic keratosis. It is so called because the problem arises from the keratinocyte cells which are in a majority in the epidermis cells. They appear as a crusty. Scaly kind of lump growing to about 2mm to 4mm in circumference, cropping up from the upper layer of the epidermis, the lesion may have a mix of colors like light or dark tan, pink, red or the color of the skin.
The Sealy surface of the lesion is generally dry to the touch and at times feels itchy or prickly. Since they are irritated skin cells they become inflamed and very red in appearance. They very rarely bleed.
These lesions surface on any area of the skin exposed to the sun, like the face, the backs of the hands, or the forearms. Fair skinned people with light colored eyes and blond or red hair are at a higher risk since they lack the needed pigment in the skin that protects it. Dark skinned people are in danger if their exposure to the sun is too much.
This skin problem is of paramount significance as it is the precursor to skin cancer. Mostly these lesions do not develop into skin cancer. Scientists believe that it is the first stage of the second most common type of skin cancer- the squamous cell carcinoma. Hence immediate action must be taken before the matters get worse. The individual should ask the doctor to diagnose and confirm it.
Treatment for this malady is given based on the location and size of the lesion, whether it is pointing to malignancy or not, and whether a treatment preferred by the patient is also available or not.
A few of the options that can be considered are cryosurgery where liquid nitrogen is gently applied to the surface to freeze the lesion when it either shrinks or becomes crusted or fell of requiring surgery. This approach is the most common.
Curettage and desiccation is is a minor surgical application where local anesthesia is used. The lesion is cut out and the area is sealed with an electrocautery needle. If the lesion is cancerous this process is suggested.
When the lesions are too many, creams and medication come into play. The patient should follow a regimen for a period of time. Chemical peeling of laser surgery is another option used to reach more difficult areas or if the patient has a bleeding disorder.
Though it is worrisome, the fact that skin cancer is treatable and curable to the maximum comforts us. It does not develop into serious problem in majority of cases. Despite this the person should be cautious and consult the doctor for anything that looks unusual and get it checked up.