Actinic keratosishttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinic_keratosis
Actinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis or senile keratosis, is a pre‑cancerous lesion characterized by thick, scaly, or crusty skin. Actinic keratosis is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. It is more common in fair‑skinned people and those who spend a lot of time in the sun. Untreated lesions have up to a 20% risk of progressing to squamous cell carcinoma, so treatment by a dermatologist is recommended.

Actinic keratoses typically appear as thick, scaly, or crusty patches that feel dry or rough. They usually measure 2–6 mm, but can enlarge to several centimeters in diameter. Often, the lesions can be felt before they are clearly visible, and their texture is frequently described as sandpaper‑like.

Sun exposure is the primary cause of actinic keratosis. Lesions usually develop on sun‑damaged skin in areas frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, backs of the hands, forearms, or lips. Most patients have multiple lesions.

If clinical findings are not typical of actinic keratosis and the possibility of in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cannot be excluded on examination alone, a biopsy or excision can be considered.

○ Diagnosis and Treatment
#Dermoscopy
#Skin biopsy
#Cryotherapy
#5-FU
#Imiquimod
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  • Lesion on the back of the hands; This can happen if the back of the hand is exposed to the sun for a long time (driving).
  • Viral warts and malignant disorders (such as squamous cell carcinoma) should also be considered.
  • Hard scales and telangiectasia suggest a diagnosis of actinic keratosis.
  • If a hard, erythematous lesion is found on a sun‑exposed area, actinic keratosis should be considered.
  • A hard keratotic lesion with erythema is characteristic.
  • If sunscreen is not properly applied to the scalp, it can occur with age due to excessive sun exposure.
  • forehead of a male
  • A case resembling an age spot.
  • Lesions that resemble warts are characteristic of actinic keratosis. Warts can be distinguished because their lesions are usually soft, whereas the lesions of actinic keratosis are typically slightly firm.
References Actinic Keratosis 32491333 
NIH
Actinic keratoses, also known as senile keratoses or solar keratoses, are benign intra-epithelial neoplasms commonly evaluated by dermatologists. Often associated with chronic sun exposure, individuals with actinic keratosis may present with irregular, red, scaly papules or plaques on sun-exposed regions of the body. Timely detection and implementation of a treatment plan are crucial since actinic keratosis can potentially progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
 Actinic keratoses: review of clinical, dermoscopic, and therapeutic aspects 31789244 
NIH
Actinic keratoses are dysplastic proliferations of keratinocytes with potential for malignant transformation. Clinically, actinic keratoses present as macules, papules, or hyperkeratotic plaques with an erythematous background that occur on photoexposed areas. At initial stages, they may be better identified by palpation rather than by visual inspection.
 Cryosurgery for Common Skin Conditions 15168956
Skin diseases like actinic keratosis, solar lentigo, seborrheic keratosis, viral wart, molluscum contagiosum, dermatofibroma can be safely treated with cryotherapy (=freezing).