You may have heard that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin, but you may not have realized how serious the damage can become. Actinic keratosis is a rough patch that grows on your skin as a result of prolonged exposure to the sun. It can also happen as a result of artificial indoor tanning. AKs tend to start out small, but they can grow if you leave them alone. Dermatologists usually recommend that you have your AKs removed. While an AK in and of itself is not harmful to your health, it can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, an extremely dangerous form of skin cancer.
If you are concerned that you may have an AK, it’s time to schedule a skin exam at Arlington Dermatology . Regular skin exams are essential for catching precancerous lesions and growths when the treatment will be most effective. You can contact us by calling (847) 725-0824.
