Actinic Keratosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A skin ailment known as actinic keratosis (AK) is characterized by rough, scaly areas of skin. The patches are usually small and range in color from flesh-colored to reddish brown. They may be slightly raised or flat and may feel dry or scaly. Actinic keratoses, a kind of skin cancer, may develop into squamous cell carcinoma if neglected.

Actinic Keratosis may be classified into the following types:

• Long-term sun exposure causes a rough, scaly area of skin known as superficial actinic keratosis.
• Hypertrophic Actinic Keratosis: It is a raised, thickened area of skin caused by too much sun exposure.
• Bowen's Disease: It is a precancerous skin disease that, if neglected, may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
• Solar Lentigo: It is also known as age spots and is flat, brown spots that appear on the skin due to sun damage and aging.

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the main cause of actinic keratosis.

Other risk factors include:

• Fair skin
• A lowered immunological response
• Age
• An outdoor lifestyle.
• Long-term use of certain medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives and immunosuppressants.

Common signs and symptoms of actinic keratosis include:

• Visible thickened, scaly patches on the skin: The cheeks, ears, neck, scalp, and backs of hands are common places for these patches to develop on skin that is often exposed to the sun.
• Discolored patches on the skin: These patches may be red, pink, or a darker color than the surrounding skin.
• Raised bumps on the skin: These lumps might be pink or red in hue and look like warts.
• Itchy or burning sensation on the affected area: Actinic Keratosis can cause an itchy or burning sensation on the affected area of skin.

Actinic keratosis may be prevented in the following ways:

• Protect skin from ultraviolet rays: Avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen with at least SPF15.
• Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds increase your risk of developing Actinic Keratosis.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when outdoors to minimize skin exposure to UV rays.
• Get regular skin exams: Regularly check your skin for any signs of Actinic Keratosis or other skin changes and contact your doctor if needed.
• Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing Actinic Keratosis, so quitting can help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Actinic Keratosis is typically diagnosed by:

• Physical Exam: Actinic keratosis is first diagnosed by a physical examination. During this exam, a healthcare professional will examine your skin for any rough, scaly patches or growths.
• Skin Biopsy: If a physical exam indicates that you may have Actinic Keratosis, your doctor may perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.A tiny sample of the damaged skin will be taken during this treatment and analyzed under a microscope to identify whether or not it is malignant.
• Dermatoscopy: This technique uses a magnifying instrument to examine the affected area of skin more closely, allowing the doctor to get a better view of any strange-looking lesions or growths in order to determine if they are actinic keratoses or other forms of skin cancer.

The following possible problems might result from actinic keratosis:

• Inflammation: Actinic Keratosis can become inflamed and cause redness, swelling, and discomfort.
• Ulceration: In severe cases, Actinic Keratosis can develop into an ulcerated sore that may bleed.
• Transformation: If left untreated, certain cases of actinic keratosis may turn into skin cancer squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Some natural remedies for Actinic Keratosis are given here:

• Apply a paste of sandalwood and rose water on the affected area: Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which can reduce inflammation and itching. Rose water's antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from free radical damage.
• Aloe vera: Antioxidants included in aloe vera may aid to lessen inflammation in the afflicted region. It also helps moisturize the skin and keep it healthy.
• Turmeric: Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric, may help lessen inflammation in the afflicted region.
• Apple cider vinegar: Antioxidants found in abundance in apple cider vinegar may aid in preventing free radical damage to the skin. In order to lessen any infection or irritation in the region, it may also be used as an antiseptic.

One should prefer to eat these foods in Actinic Keratosis:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will help provide your body with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help keep your skin healthy.
• Lean proteins: Lean proteins such as fish, poultry, tofu, beans, and nuts are important for maintaining healthy skin cells.
• Water: Water encourages healthy skin cell development and keeps your skin cells moisturized.

Some foods to avoid in Actinic Keratosis are:

• Fried and processed foods: The chance of developing actinic keratosis may rise if you consume fried and processed meals, which are heavy in saturated and trans fats.
• Refined carbohydrates: White bread, spaghetti, and sugary cereals are examples of refined carbohydrates that may induce inflammation in the body and eventually result in actinic keratosis.
• Red meat: Red meat has a high saturated fat content, which increases the risk of actinic keratosis.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption has been linked to higher rates of Actinic Keratosis.
• Milk products: Milk products like cheese, butter, and cream are high in saturated fat and should be avoided if you are at risk for Actinic Keratosis.

The following are typical actinic keratosis treatments:

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This procedure involves applying a light-sensitive medication on the affected area and then exposing it to a special type of light that damages AK cells and triggers an immune response from the body that leads to the healing of the lesions.
• Cryosurgery: A form of surgery called cryosurgery employs very freezing temperatures to freeze and eliminate aberrant tissue, such as actinic keratosis. Using liquid nitrogen, this operation is often carried out in a doctor's office.
• Curettage: Curettage involves scraping away abnormal skin cells with a sharp instrument.It may be used either by itself or in combination with cryosurgery for more severe actinic keratoses.

The best doctor to consult for Actinic Keratosis is a dermatologist. They have received specialized training to identify, manage, and treat skin disorders including actinic keratosis.

The following are classes of drugs commonly used to treat Actinic Keratosis:

• Imiquimod: This topical cream helps to stimulate an immune response in the body that leads to the clearing of Actinic Keratosis patches.
• Ingenol mebutate: This topical gel works by damaging the cells of the Actinic Keratosis lesion and triggering an immune response from the body that leads to skin healing.
• Fluorouracil: This topical cream works by damaging cells in the skin that leads to their death, which helps clear up Actinic Keratosis lesions.
• Diclofenac sodium gel 3%: Actinic Keratosis lesions may be reduced with the use of this topical gel by lowering skin irritation.

Depending on the severity of the problem, Actinic Keratosis recovery normally takes 2 to 6 weeks. During this time, it is important to avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, and follow any treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Actinic keratosis (AK) therapy does not produce outcomes that are irreversible.

Treatment can reduce or eliminate visible AK lesions, but new AK lesions may form over time due to continued sun exposure.

To maintain long-term remission, people with Actinic Keratosis should practice sun protection and have regular follow-up exams with their doctor.

It's crucial to take action to avoid more skin damage after Actinic Keratosis therapy.

This includes:

• Avoiding being in the sun.
• Sunblock and protective clothes.
• Seeing a dermatologist for routine examinations.
• Keeping the area around the treated area clean and dry to avoid infection.
• If any changes in the treated area are noticed, such as itching, burning or bleeding, contact a dermatologist immediately for further evaluation and treatment.

Depending on the kind of therapy used, Actinic Keratosis therapies in India might cost a variety of amounts.

Generally, prices range from ₹1000 to ₹3000 for topical creams and gels, ₹3000 to ₹5000 for cryotherapy, and up to ₹15000 for photodynamic therapy.

Potential side effects of treatments for Actinic Keratosis are:

• Skin irritation: The most common side effect of Actinic Keratosis treatments is skin irritation, ranging from mild discomfort to burning, itching and redness.
• Scarring: Scarring from certain therapies is possible, although it is usually not severe and diminishes with time.
• Infection: Keeping the treated area clean and dry throughout the healing phase might help prevent some individuals from developing an infection there.
• Sun sensitivity: Some patients may become more susceptible to the sun after therapy, in which case they should use sunscreen while outside.
• Temporary discoloration: Treatments may cause temporary discoloration of the skin, which usually resolves after a few weeks or months.

Any of the symptoms associated with Actinic Keratosis should be addressed right away by a local physician as they may cause complications like 'inflammation, ulceration, metamorphosis, etc.,' for which treatment regimens might last from a few months to years depending on the severity of the condition.