--- description: What is actinic keratosis? Explore its symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of early detection for skin cancer prevention. title: Actinic Keratosis image: https://www.skincancer.org/wp-content/uploads/bannerswebAK.jpg --- [Home](https://www.skincancer.org/) › [Skin Cancer Information](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/) › Actinic Keratosis Translation:   [![]()](https://www.skincancer.org/international/la-keratose-actinique/)  [![]()](https://www.skincancer.org/international/aktinische-keratose/) [![Italian flag small icon]()](https://www.skincancer.org/international/cheratosi-attinica/) [![]()](https://www.skincancer.org/international/gr-actinic-keratosis/) [En Español](https://www.skincancer.org/international/queratosis-actinicas/) # Actinic Keratosis Overview ## A Common Precancer Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common precancer that forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or indoor tanning. Solar keratosis is another name for the condition. AKs result from long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This means that if you already have an AK, you are likely to develop more *actinic keratoses* (plural) in the future. This puts you at a higher risk for skin cancer, since AKs can develop into [squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/squamous-cell-carcinoma/), a common and sometimes invasive form of the disease. - [What do actinic keratoses look like?](#what) - [Where do they appear?](#where) - [Should I be concerned?](#should) - [What do I need to know?](#need) - [I think I have an actinic keratosis](#think) ##### It’s a fact: Actinic Keratosis is widespread 58 MILLION Americans have one or more AKs. ![](<> "US MAP") [Risk Factors](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/causes-and-risk-factors/ "Actinic Keratosis Risk Factors") [Warning Signs](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-warning-signs-and-images/ "Actinic Keratosis Warning Signs") [Treatment](http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-treatment-options/ "Actinic Keratosis Treatment") ### What do actinic keratoses look like? AKs often appear as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. They may be red, light or dark tan, white, pink, flesh-toned or a combination of colors and are sometimes raised. Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often **easier to feel** than see. For photos, go to our [warning signs](https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-warning-signs-and-images/) page. ### Where do they appear? The lesions frequently arise on sun-exposed areas of the face, lips, ears, scalp, shoulders, neck and the back of the hands and forearms. Another form of AK known as actinic cheilitis appears on the lower lip. ### Should I be concerned? Even though just 5-10 percent of AKs turn into skin cancer, the vast majority of squamous cell carcinomas start off as AKs. That’s why it’s best to play it safe and see your dermatologist if you think you may have an AK. ### What do I need to know? - **AKs are evidence of sustained sun damage.** Having them raises your lifetime risk for skin cancer. Since having one AK means that it’s likely you have already developed more, this may translate into an especially elevated risk for developing an SCC. - **An untreated SCC can become invasive** and even life-threatening. ### I think I have an actinic keratosis. What should I do? If detected early, actinic keratoses can be treated before they develop into skin cancer. **See your dermatologist**, who can accurately diagnose the lesion and recommend an effective [treatment](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-treatment-options/). It’s best to diagnose and treat AKs early, before they become cancerous. This is especially true for AKs that arise on the head or neck, where skin cancers may be more aggressive. **Protect yourself** to help prevent further sun damage. Seek shade and [protect your skin](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/) against UV exposure every day, even when it’s cloudy, using [broad-spectrum sunscreen](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/) and [sun safe clothing, hats and eyewear](http://skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/clothing/). Avoid indoor tanning entirely and do not get sunburned. ***Reviewed by:** Leonard H. Goldberg, MD * *Mark Lebwohl, MD * ##### [Sign up to receive our newsletter](https://www.skincancer.org/newsletter/) This section is made possible with support from [![]()](https://www.almirall.us/) [![]()](https://www.biofrontera-us.com/) [![sun pharma Logo]()](https://sunpharma.com/) ## Sun & Skin News [Actinic Keratosis: Put Your Finger on the Problem!](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/actinic-keratosis-put-your-finger-on-the-problem/)![Woman-looking-at-camera]() [The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/the-skin-cancer-foundation-journal/) ### [Actinic Keratosis: Put Your Finger on the Problem!](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/actinic-keratosis-put-your-finger-on-the-problem/) [Celebrities and Skin Cancer – They’re Just Like Us](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/celebrities-skin-cancer/)![Hollywood sign]() [This Is Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/true-stories/) ### [Celebrities and Skin Cancer – They’re Just Like Us](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/celebrities-skin-cancer/) [Hiding in Plain Sight: NYPD Veteran Uncovers Clues for Detecting Skin Cancer ](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/hiding-in-plain-sight-nypd-veteran-uncovers-clues-for-detecting-skin-cancer/)![Manhattan skyline on a sunny day Empire State Building on the right, New York, United States]() [This Is Skin Cancer](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/category/true-stories/) ### [Hiding in Plain Sight: NYPD Veteran Uncovers Clues for Detecting Skin Cancer ](https://www.skincancer.org/blog/hiding-in-plain-sight-nypd-veteran-uncovers-clues-for-detecting-skin-cancer/) Want to spread the word about skin cancer awareness? Complete the form and you may end up on our website. Last updated: May 2026 Open menu Menu Close menu SearchSearch ```json {"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/actinic-keratosis\/","url":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/actinic-keratosis\/","name":"Actinic Keratosis - The Skin Cancer Foundation","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/actinic-keratosis\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/actinic-keratosis\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/bannerswebAK.jpg","datePublished":"2019-06-05T17:46:03+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-22T13:29:59+00:00","description":"What is actinic keratosis? 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We empower people to take a proactive approach to daily sun protection and the early detection and treatment of skin cancer.","email":"info@skincancer.org","telephone":"(212) 725-5176","legalName":"The Skin Cancer Foundation"}]} { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is actinic keratosis?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Actinic keratosis (AK), also called solar keratosis, is the most common precancer that forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or indoor tanning. AKs result from long-term UV radiation exposure. If you already have an AK, you are likely to develop more in the future. This puts you at a higher risk for skin cancer, since AKs can develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common and sometimes invasive form of skin cancer. More than 58 million Americans have one or more AKs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What do actinic keratoses look like?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "AKs often appear as small, dry, scaly, or crusty patches of skin. They may be red, light or dark tan, white, pink, flesh-toned, or a combination of colors, and are sometimes raised. Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often easier to feel than see. They are not always visually distinctive and can be mistaken for dry skin, eczema, or other benign conditions, which is why having a dermatologist evaluate any suspicious patch is important." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where do actinic keratoses appear on the body?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Actinic keratoses frequently arise on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, lips, ears, scalp, shoulders, neck, and the back of the hands and forearms — all areas that tend to receive years of cumulative UV exposure. Another form of AK known as actinic cheilitis appears specifically on the lower lip. AKs are especially common on the head and neck, where skin cancers that develop from untreated AKs may be more aggressive." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is actinic keratosis dangerous? Can it turn into cancer?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While only 5 to 10 percent of individual AKs turn into skin cancer, the vast majority of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) start off as AKs. This means that having an AK represents a real cancer risk that should not be ignored. Having one AK also indicates that the skin has sustained significant UV damage and that additional AKs — and potentially an elevated risk for SCC — are likely to develop. An untreated SCC can become invasive and even life-threatening. This is why it is best to see a dermatologist promptly if you think you may have an AK, particularly on the head or neck." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What causes actinic keratosis?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Actinic keratoses are caused by chronic, long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and/or indoor tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells over time, leading to the development of abnormal precancerous growths. The more cumulative UV exposure the skin has received without protection, the higher the likelihood of developing AKs. People who have already developed one AK are particularly at risk for developing additional AKs in the future, as the underlying UV damage is widespread across the skin." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Who is at risk for actinic keratosis?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Anyone with significant lifetime UV exposure is at risk for actinic keratosis. Risk factors include fair skin, light-colored eyes or hair, a history of frequent sunburns, cumulative outdoor sun exposure over many years, use of indoor tanning beds, older age, a weakened immune system, and a personal or family history of skin cancer. AKs are particularly common in outdoor workers and in people who have spent decades in the sun without consistent protection. More than 58 million Americans are affected." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What should I do if I think I have an actinic keratosis?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "See your dermatologist as soon as possible. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose the lesion and recommend an effective treatment. If detected early, actinic keratoses can be treated before they develop into skin cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment is especially important for AKs on the head or neck, where skin cancers that develop from untreated lesions may be more aggressive. Do not try to treat or monitor an AK on your own — professional evaluation is essential." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How can I prevent actinic keratosis?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Since AKs are caused by chronic UV exposure, preventing further sun damage is the most important step — both to reduce the risk of developing new AKs and to lower the likelihood that existing AKs will progress to cancer. Protective measures include: seeking shade and avoiding peak UV hours (10 AM to 4 PM); applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when cloudy; wearing sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses; and avoiding indoor tanning entirely. If you have already been diagnosed with AKs, consistent sun protection is especially critical to prevent additional lesions from forming." } } ] } ```