A common skin ailment known as actinic keratosis (AK), which is frequently shortened as AK, is characterised by the emergence of tiny, scaly, rough patches or lesions on the skin. It mostly happens as a result of cumulative, long-term exposure to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Actinic keratosis is regarded as a precancerous condition because, if neglected, it could develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a kind of skin cancer. Usually, these lesions develop on the lips, backs of hands, forearms, scalp, ears, or other sun-exposed parts of the body. Actinic keratosis-related lesions can range in appearance from flat, pink patches to elevated, rough, or warty growths. They can be irritating, sensitive, or even painful, and are frequently distinguished by their sandpaper-like feel. Even while actinic keratosis is not a life-threatening disorder in and of itself, it is significant due to its propensity to develop into cancer over time. As a result, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to stop the disease's progression. Actinic keratosis is typically diagnosed by a dermatologist by a visual examination, frequently assisted by a skin sample in ambiguous situations. Actinic keratosis treatments try to eliminate or eradicate the lesions in order to stop the growth of cancer. Cryotherapy (freezing the lesions), topical creams or gels containing 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, or ingenol mebutate, laser therapy, chemical peels, and photodynamic therapy are common therapeutic techniques. The method of treatment is determined by the quantity, location, and general health of the patient's lesions. The management of actinic keratosis and lowering the risk of its advancement depend heavily on preventive measures. These precautions entail establishing sun-protective habits, such as donning sunglasses, protective clothes, high-SPF sunscreen, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly during peak hours. Patients with actinic keratosis are advised to have routine skin checks and follow-up appointments with a dermatologist to monitor their condition and address any potential changes or problems right away. As a reminder of the value of sun protection and early detection in preserving skin health and preventing the emergence of more serious skin disorders like skin cancer, actinic keratosis serves as a conclusion.
