Dermatology

Actinic keratosis is also known as a solar keratosis is considered as precancerous or an early form of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. It is characterized by rough, erythematous patches with scaly macules or papules on the skin. It is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun and extensive exposure to X-rays or a number of industrial chemicals. It mainly affects the face, lips, ears, hands, forearms, scalp or neck. The diagnosis of severe actinic keratosis recognized by nodular, indurated, or unresponsive lesions is done by biopsy. Actinic may regress, persist, unchanged or progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment includes topic...