Actinic keratoses (plural of actinic keratosis) are extremely common, but fortunately, they’re also highly treatable. At Dermatology Associates of West Texas, our fellowship-trained and board-certified dermatologists provide all-encompassing general and surgical dermatology services in Lubbock and Denver City, TX. Whether you need a diagnosis, treatment, or prevention strategy for actinic keratosis, we support your skin health. Here’s what you should know about actinic keratoses.
Actinic Keratosis: Its Appearance
These growths often appear as rough, scaly, or dry patches on the skin. They can be any color from skin-toned to pink to red, and an actinic keratosis may feature a couple of colors.
Often, actinic keratoses are flat, but they can sometimes be raised too. You might not notice an actinic keratosis visually, especially if it’s skin-toned, but when you run your fingers across the skin, you’ll likely feel a rougher texture in that area.
The Cause of Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses typically appear on the face, arms, chest, hands, neck, and scalp. It’s not a coincidence that these areas see the most sun exposure. Actinic keratoses are a sign of long-term sun damage – and they can come from any ultraviolet (UV) rays, including tanning beds. Living in sunny climates, like we have in Lubbock and Denver City, elevates the risk of developing actinic keratoses. Having light skin increases your risk further.
Why Actinic Keratosis Requires Treatment
If you’re dealing with an actinic keratosis, call us at Dermatology Associates of West Texas. Our dermatologists offer a range of effective treatments to treat actinic keratoses effectively, such as topical products, cryotherapy, chemical peels, and light-based therapy. Some actinic keratoses could require surgical removal. Treatment is important because it can potentially stop skin cancer before it starts.
Actinic Keratosis Help in Lubbock and Denver City, TX
That lesion on your skin could become a serious health threat if you don’t take control of your skin health, so don’t wait any longer. Call Dermatology Associates of West Texas at 806-797-1202 to book a consultation in Lubbock or Denver City, TX.
