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Actinic keratosis on the arm Actinic keratosis - close-up Actinic keratosis on the forearms Actinic keratosis on the scalp Actinic keratosis - ear

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Actinic keratosis

Alternative Names: Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar) Symptoms: Rough and dry textured skin lesion A macule, patch, or growth on the skin Limited to a discrete area (localized) Located on the face, scalp, back of the hands, chest or other sun-exposed areas Gray, pink, red (erythematous), or the same color as the skin Initially flat and scaly on the surface, becoming slightly raised Becoming hard and wart-like or gritty, rough, and "sandpapery" -- may develop a horn-like texture from overgrowth of skin keratin layer (hyperkeratosis) The skin lesion may be easier to feel than to see. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below The health care provider bases the diagnosis on the appearance of the skin growth. A skin biopsy could reveal signs of cancerous changes, if present.

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