Sun exposure can leave behind several types of marks, from flat brown spots to dry areas that feel irritated or uneven. If a spot feels scaly, tender, crusty, or keeps coming back in the same place, it may be time to have it checked for actinic keratosis by a dermatologist.
At Manhattan Dermatology, in New York, New York, our medical dermatology team includes board-certified dermatologists with experience in skin cancer detection, prevention, and treatment. Dr. Wendy Long Mitchell is a double-board certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, Dr. William T. Long brings more than three decades of dermatology experience, Dr. Eric Bowman Jr. focuses on skin cancer detection and lesion evaluation, and Dr. Michelle Levy has a special interest in skin cancer detection and prevention.
Sun Spots Are Usually Flat Pigment Changes
Sun spots, sometimes called age spots or liver spots, are usually flat areas of brown discoloration. They often develop on areas that receive years of sun exposure, such as the face, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands.
These spots are often harmless, but that does not mean every brown or sun-damaged area should be ignored. A mark that changes shape, grows quickly, darkens unevenly, bleeds, or looks different from your other spots should be examined during a skin cancer screening.
Actinic Keratosis Often Feels Rough or Scaly
Actinic keratosis, or AK, is different from a routine sun spot. AKs form when UV exposure damages skin cells over time. They may feel like sandpaper and can appear pink, red, skin-colored, crusted, or slightly raised.
An AK may also sting, itch, burn, bleed, or feel sore. Some lesions are easier to feel than see, especially on the face, ears, scalp, forearms, or backs of the hands.
Why These Patches Should Not Be Ignored
Actinic keratosis is considered precancerous. That does not mean every AK will become skin cancer, but some can progress into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. Since there is no reliable way to know which lesions may change, early evaluation is the safest choice.
A dermatologist can confirm whether the area is an AK, another inflammatory skin condition, or a lesion that needs biopsy. Treatment may include cryotherapy, prescription topical medication, curettage, or light-based therapy, depending on the number, thickness, and location of the lesions.
When to Schedule a Skin Check
A dermatology visit is a good idea if you notice a spot that stays rough for more than a few weeks, bleeds, crusts, becomes sore, or returns after peeling off. You should also be checked regularly if you have a history of heavy sun exposure, tanning bed use, precancerous spots, or skin cancer.
Sun-damaged skin is easier to manage when concerning changes are caught early. For actinic keratosis evaluation in New York, NY, contact us at Manhattan Dermatology or call 212-683-6073 or 212-689-9587.