{"id":453,"date":"2026-01-22T17:35:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T17:35:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/?p=453"},"modified":"2026-01-15T15:52:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T15:52:40","slug":"actinic-keratosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/actinic-keratosis\/","title":{"rendered":"An Actinic Keratosis: Potentially Pre-Cancerous Spot You Shouldn&#8217;t Ignore"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" src=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/actinic-keratosis-300x199.png\" alt=\"actinic keratosis\" class=\"wp-image-454\" style=\"width:auto;height:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/actinic-keratosis-300x199.png 300w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/actinic-keratosis-768x510.png 768w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/actinic-keratosis.png 860w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2>Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#What Is Actinic Keratosis?\">What Is An Actinic Keratosis?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#What Does Actinic Keratosis Look Like?\">What Does An Actinic Keratosis Look Like?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#The Connection Between Actinic Keratosis and Skin Cancer\">The Connection Between An Actinic Keratosis and Skin Cancer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Actinic Keratosis Treatment Options\">Actinic Keratoses Treatment Options<\/a><a name=\"Key Points\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Prevention: Your Best Defense\">Prevention: Your Best Defense<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Take Control of Your Skin Health Today\">Take Control of Your Skin Health Today<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#References\">References<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr style=\"border-top: 1px solid #ccc; background: transparent;\" \/>\n<h2>Key Points<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Actinic keratoses, which affect upwards of 1\/5 of all Americans, appear as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>They can progress to squamous cell carcinoma or other types of cancer, if left untreated, making early detection and treatment essential. <\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Understanding the basics of actinic keratoses, including available treatment options, can be life-saving for anyone affected.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have ever noticed rough, scaly patches on your skin that will not go away, you&#8217;re not alone. More than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/actinic-keratosis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">58 million Americans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are currently living with an actinic keratosis (AK), making it one of the most common skin conditions treated by dermatologists.<sup>1<\/sup>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these crusty spots may seem harmless at first glance, they represent something more serious: a warning sign that your skin has sustained significant sun damage and that skin cancer could be on the horizon.<a name=\"What Is Actinic Keratosis?\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Rogers Dermatology, we believe that education is your first line of defense against skin cancer. Understanding actinic keratoses\u2014what they look like, why they matter, and how we treat them\u2014can help you take proactive steps to protect your skin health for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is An Actinic Keratosis?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Actinic keratosis, also called \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/actinic-keratosis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354969\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">solar keratosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d is a precancerous skin growth that develops after years of sun exposure. These lesions appear as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the body. While they start as benign growths, they have the potential to transform into squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common types of skin cancer.<sup>2<\/sup><a name=\"What Does Actinic Keratosis Look Like?\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The word &#8220;actinic&#8221; refers to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/iacdworld.org\/actinic-damage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ultraviolet radiation from the sun<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is the primary cause of these lesions. Over time, UV rays damage the DNA in your skin cells, causing abnormal cell growth that manifests as AK.<sup>3<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a way, you can think of an actinic keratosis as your skin&#8217;s way of raising a red flag. It is telling you that damage has occurred and that continued neglect could lead to more serious consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Does An Actinic Keratosis Look Like?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recognizing actinic keratoses early is crucial for preventing progression to skin cancer. Here is what to look for:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Appearance and Texture<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rough, dry, or scaly patches that feel like sandpaper when you run your finger over them<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat to slightly raised lesions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crusty surface texture (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/warts-101-types-causes-and-treatment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">similar to that of warts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Size ranging from a pinhead to larger than a quarter<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Color variations, including pink, red, brown, tan, or flesh-colored patches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Locations<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Face, especially the nose, forehead, and cheeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ears<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scalp (particularly in people with thinning hair or baldness)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neck and d\u00e9colletage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Backs of hands and forearms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lips (called \u201c<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/23007-actinic-cheilitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">actinic cheilitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d)<sup>4<\/sup><a name=\"The Connection Between Actinic Keratosis and Skin Cancer\"><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoulders and upper back<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most distinctive features of an actinic keratosis is that it is often easier to feel than to see. Many patients first discover these lesions by touch\u2014running their hand across their face or scalp and noticing an unusual rough spot that was not there before.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Connection Between An Actinic Keratosis and Skin Cancer<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is the critical information every patient needs to know: while not all actinic <\/span><b><i>keratoses will become cancerous, they represent a significant risk factor for skin cancer development<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Studies suggest that between 5 and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0022202X2102162X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20 percent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of untreated actinic keratoses will progress to squamous cell carcinoma within a decade.<sup>5<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding the types of skin cancer and their warning signs is essential for anyone dealing with an actinic keratosis:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/conditions\/squamous-cell-carcinoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Squamous Cell Carcinoma<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the most common type of skin cancer in the United States, and (as mentioned) is highly associated with AK. It can appear as a firm red nodule, a scaly patch with a crusted surface, or a sore that heals and reopens. Early detection and treatment are crucial.<sup>6<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Basal Cell Carcinoma:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> While not directly caused by AK, people with multiple actinic keratoses often develop <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/diseases\/skin-cancer\/basal-cell-carcinoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">basal cell carcinoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as well, since both conditions stem from cumulative sun exposure.<sup>7<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The presence of an actinic keratosis is also a marker that your skin has sustained significant UV damage, which increases your overall risk for all types of skin cancer, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/melanoma-your-comprehensive-guide-to-understanding-preventing-and-detecting-skin-cancer\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">including melanoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014the deadliest form.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Skin Cancer Symptoms and Warning Signs<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing what skin cancer looks like can save your life. <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-457\" src=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/melanoma-300x198.png\" alt=\"melanoma\" width=\"300\" height=\"198\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/melanoma-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/melanoma-768x508.png 768w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/melanoma.png 858w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>When examining your skin for signs of skin cancer, remember the \u201cABCDE rule\u201d for melanoma and watch for these skin cancer symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Asymmetry:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> One half of the mole does not match the other half<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Border irregularity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Edges are ragged, notched, or blurred<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Color variation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Multiple colors or uneven distribution of color<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diameter:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), though melanomas can be smaller<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Evolving:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or new symptoms like bleeding or itching<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For non-melanoma skin cancers like squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, watch for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent sores that fail to heal within a few weeks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patches of skin that are red, scaly, and rough<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shiny, pearly, or waxy bumps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flat, firm, pale, or yellow areas that resemble scars<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding or oozing from a skin lesion<a name=\"Actinic Keratosis Treatment Options\"><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertmrogersmd.com\/about\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dermatologist in Greenville<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> immediately. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes for all types of skin cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Actinic Keratoses Treatment Options<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is that treating an actinic keratosis is highly effective, especially when caught early. Rogers Dermatology offers multiple approaches, tailored to each patient&#8217;s unique needs.<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-468\" src=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Robert-Rogers-ARP-0867-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"dermatologist performing actinic keratosis assessment\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Robert-Rogers-ARP-0867-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Robert-Rogers-ARP-0867-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Robert-Rogers-ARP-0867-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Robert-Rogers-ARP-0867-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Robert-Rogers-ARP-0867-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Topical Medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For patients with multiple lesions or those who prefer non-invasive options, prescription creams and gels can effectively eliminate actinic keratoses:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>5-Fluorouracil (5-FU):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Applied to affected areas for several weeks, this medication causes the abnormal cells to die off and be replaced by healthy skin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Imiquimod:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This immune response modifier stimulates your body&#8217;s immune system to attack the precancerous cells.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Diclofenac gel:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A gentler option that works over a longer period, typically three months.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ingenol mebutate:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A shorter treatment course, usually applied for two to three consecutive days.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In-Office Procedures<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When topical treatments are not suitable or for isolated lesions, we offer several effective in-office procedures for actinic keratoses treatment:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cryotherapy (Freezing):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9577376\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most common treatment method<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy the abnormal cells.<sup>8<\/sup> The treated area may blister and eventually peel away, revealing healthy skin underneath.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Curettage:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The lesion is scraped off using a specialized instrument called a curette. This may be combined with electrosurgery to remove any remaining abnormal cells.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chemical Peels:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Medical-grade chemical peels can remove the damaged outer layers of skin, eliminating multiple actinic keratoses in treated areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A light-activated treatment where a photosensitizing agent is applied to the skin and then activated with specific wavelengths of light, destroying precancerous cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Laser Therapy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Certain types of lasers can precisely target and remove actinic keratoses with minimal scarring.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the Right Treatment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During your consultation at our dermatologist office in Greenville, we will evaluate factors, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The number and location of your actinic keratoses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The thickness and severity of the lesions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your skin type and healing capacity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your lifestyle and treatment preferences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any previous treatments you have undergone<a name=\"Prevention: Your Best Defense\"><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our goal is to create a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertmrogersmd.com\/services\/#skin-cancer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personalized actinic keratosis treatment plan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that effectively eliminates your precancerous lesions while fitting seamlessly into your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Prevention: Your Best Defense<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While treating an actinic keratosis is important, prevention is even better. <\/span><b><i>Once you have developed AK, you are at a higher risk of developing more lesions and skin cancer.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Here are essential steps to protect your skin:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/benefits-of-sunscreen\/\"><b>Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Apply SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours when outdoors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Seek shade during peak UV hours:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If possible, limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wear protective clothing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses provide crucial protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avoid tanning beds:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Artificial UV radiation is just as damaging as natural sunlight.<a name=\"Take Control of Your Skin Health Today\"><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Schedule regular skin checks:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Annual full-body skin examinations with a Greenville SC dermatologist can catch problems early.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Perform monthly self-exams:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Learn what is normal for your skin so you can spot changes quickly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Take Control of Your Skin Health Today<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Actinic keratoses may be common, but they should never be ignored. These precancerous lesions are a clear signal that your skin needs professional attention. The good news is that, with proper treatment and ongoing prevention strategies, you can dramatically reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, your skin is your body&#8217;s largest organ, and it deserves expert care.<a name=\"References\"><\/a> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertmrogersmd.com\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact us today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healthier, safer skin. Because when it comes to an actinic keratosis and skin cancer, what you don&#8217;t know <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hurt you, but what you <em>do<\/em> know can save your life.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr style=\"border-top: 1px solid #ccc; background: transparent;\" \/>\n<h2>References<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cActinic Keratosis Overview,\u201d Skin Cancer Foundation, November 2025, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/actinic-keratosis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.skincancer.org\/skin-cancer-information\/actinic-keratosis\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/li>\n<li>Mayo Clinic Staff, \u201cActinic keratosis,\u201d Mayo Clinic, December 2022, <a style=\"font-size: revert;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/actinic-keratosis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354969\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/actinic-keratosis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20354969<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0 <\/span><\/li>\n<li>Lawrence Charles Parish, MD, \u201cActinic Damage,\u201d International Academy of Cosmetic Dermagology, retrieved on December 1, 2025, from: <a style=\"font-size: revert;\" href=\"https:\/\/iacdworld.org\/actinic-damage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/iacdworld.org\/actinic-damage\/<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cActinic Cheilitis,\u201d The Cleveland Clinic, May 2022, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/23007-actinic-cheilitis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/23007-actinic-cheilitis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoon-Seob Kim, Sun Shin, Seung-Hyun Jung, et al., \u201cGenomic Progression of Precancerous Actinic Keratosis to Squamous Cell Carcinoma,\u201d <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journal of Investigative Dermatology<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, March 2022, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0022202X2102162X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0022202X2102162X<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSquamous cell carcinoma,\u201d University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, retrieved on December 2, 2025, from: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/conditions\/squamous-cell-carcinoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/conditions\/squamous-cell-carcinoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natalie Matthews, MD, MPhil, FAAD; Rajiv I. Nijhawan, MD, FACMS, FAAD; and Darrell S. Rigel, MD, FAAD, \u201cBasal cell carcinoma: From symptoms to treatments,\u201d American Academy of Dermatology Association, October 2025, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/diseases\/skin-cancer\/basal-cell-carcinoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/diseases\/skin-cancer\/basal-cell-carcinoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gaia Moretta, Tonia Samela, Francesca Sampogna, et al., \u201cAttitudes among dermatologists regarding actinic keratosis treatment options,\u201d <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dermatology Reports<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, January 2022, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9577376\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC9577376\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Rogers explains the ins and outs of an actinic keratosis, including common symptoms, risks, treatments, and when you should see a dermatologist. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":454,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[10],"class_list":["post-453","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-actinic-keratosis"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=453"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":485,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453\/revisions\/485"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=453"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=453"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=453"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}