Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses develop as a result of chronic UV damage in skin areas that are constantly exposed to sunlight. Descriptions such as solar keratoses, senile keratoses and age keratoses are frequently used as synonyms. Due to many years of repeated sun damage, the genetic information in the cells of the uppermost skin layer (keratinocytes) changes so that they are reformed more quickly. This cornification disorder is e.g. marked by a sandpaper-like rough skin surface and a varying degree of skin scaling (see also symptoms).

In old age and with fair-skinned persons the probability of developing actinic keratoses is greatest. It is thus estimated that around half of all Europeans over 60 are affected.

Today, it is known that actinic keratoses are already an early form of non-melanoma skin cancer. In contrast to other forms of skin cancer, however, actinic keratoses are not malignant as they only affect the topmost skin layer. The topmost skin layer does not, for example, have any blood vessels and the degenerate cells can therefore not spread with actinic keratoses, i.e. they cannot form any metastases. In around 10% of cases, they can, however, become a malignant form of skin cancer. Consequently, it is important to go to the dermatologist early in cases of unclear or suspicious lesions or if you suspect actinic keratoses. For actinic keratoses can be very thoroughly and easily treated.

Here you can find out more about non-melanoma cancer.