What describes actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is characterized as a rough, pink, or flesh-colored lesion that typically results from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, usually from the sun. These lesions are often seen on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, scalp, or back of the hands.

The texture is a key feature: the lesions tend to feel rough to the touch, which can be attributed to the thickened outer layer of skin (the stratum corneum) that develops in response to UV damage. Over time, actinic keratosis can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, which underscores the importance of early identification and management.

Other descriptions, such as shiny raised lesions or smooth dark moles, do not align with the typical presentation of actinic keratosis. It is important to differentiate these from basal cell carcinomas or atypical moles (nevi), which have distinct characteristics and risk profiles. The description of a dry, scaly patch, while it may seem similar, does not specifically capture the typical color and texture associated with actinic keratosis, which emphasizes the roughness and pink or flesh-colored appearance.