What should you know about superficial actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis develops in skin altered by repeated ultraviolet exposure. It may feel rough or gritty and can look pink, red, tan, or close to the surrounding skin. Lesions often occur on the face, ears, scalp, forearms, or backs of hands. A superficial lesion may be limited to the outer layers, but appearance alone cannot reliably distinguish it from other sun-damaged growths. [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) provides related context.

A clinician may examine the patch with magnification and decide whether sampling is needed. Treatment can remove or treat visible abnormal cells. Options include [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), [Photodynamic Therapy](/treatments/laser-and-energy/photodynamic-therapy/), [Imiquimod Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/imiquimod-therapy/), or [Topical 5-Fluorouracil](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-5-fluorouracil/). Use sun protection with covering clothing, shade, and broad-spectrum sunscreen, and arrange [Skin Cancer Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-testing/skin-cancer-screening/) when advised.

Arrange prompt review if a rough patch becomes thicker, tender, crusted, itchy, or starts bleeding, or if it grows or fails to heal. A persistent change may need assessment for [Squamous Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/), a type of skin cancer that can arise in sun-damaged skin. Follow any planned review after treatment; [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/) explains why surveillance may be recommended after a cancer diagnosis.

Ask whether the lesion needs a biopsy, which treatment suits its thickness and site, how the treated skin may react, how to check for new patches, and when your next skin examination should occur.