actinic keratosis (AK): diagnosis and management:
🔹 Diagnosis
Clinical Features
• Appearance: Rough, scaly, erythematous or brownish
papules/plaques on sun-exposed areas (face, scalp, ears, forearms,
hands).
• Texture: “Sandpaper-like” when palpated.
• Symptoms: Usually asymptomatic but may itch, burn, or be tender.
• Number: Often multiple lesions, may coalesce into larger patches.
Risk Factors
• Chronic sun exposure (UV radiation).
• Fair skin, light hair, blue/green eyes.
• Age > 40.
• Immunosuppression (e.g., organ transplant patients).
• History of skin cancer.
Diagnostic Approach
• Primarily clinical (visual + tactile).
• Dermatoscopy: May help identify characteristic keratotic changes.
• Biopsy: Indicated if:
o Lesion is thickened, tender, ulcerated, or rapidly growing.
o Concern for progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
🔹 Management
1. General Measures
• Sun protection (SPF ≥30, protective clothing, hats).
• Regular skin checks (self-exam and dermatology follow-up).
🔹 Diagnosis
Clinical Features
• Appearance: Rough, scaly, erythematous or brownish
papules/plaques on sun-exposed areas (face, scalp, ears, forearms,
hands).
• Texture: “Sandpaper-like” when palpated.
• Symptoms: Usually asymptomatic but may itch, burn, or be tender.
• Number: Often multiple lesions, may coalesce into larger patches.
Risk Factors
• Chronic sun exposure (UV radiation).
• Fair skin, light hair, blue/green eyes.
• Age > 40.
• Immunosuppression (e.g., organ transplant patients).
• History of skin cancer.
Diagnostic Approach
• Primarily clinical (visual + tactile).
• Dermatoscopy: May help identify characteristic keratotic changes.
• Biopsy: Indicated if:
o Lesion is thickened, tender, ulcerated, or rapidly growing.
o Concern for progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
🔹 Management
1. General Measures
• Sun protection (SPF ≥30, protective clothing, hats).
• Regular skin checks (self-exam and dermatology follow-up).
