Early detection and treatment of skin changes that can progress to skin cancer.
Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch of skin caused by years of sun exposure, most often appearing on the face, ears, scalp, hands, and forearms. It's the most common precancerous skin condition, and a small percentage of untreated patches can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
Cumulative UV damage to skin cells over years of sun exposure.
Daily sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and avoiding peak midday sun.
Cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy or immune-modulating creams, photodynamic therapy, or chemical peels for widespread areas.
Myth: A rough, dry patch that comes and goes is just dry skin. Fact: A persistent, sandpaper-like patch that doesn't respond to moisturizer should be checked, since actinic keratosis often feels rough before it looks obviously abnormal.
If you notice a rough, scaly patch that doesn't heal or keeps coming back in the same spot.