Skin Conditions – Actinic Keratosis

This is a pre-cancerous skin lesion directly related to chronic sun exposure. It presents with scaly red or brown lesions which may scab and bleed on a recurrent basis. It commonly occurs on sun-exposed areas like the forehead, scalp, chest, and forearms, and is prevalent in light coloured skin types. It may progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. A punch biopsy may be required for diagnosis, and removal by electrodessication or chemotherapy is recommended.