5 Must-Know Facts About Precancerous Skin Growths
Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth caused by the sun or indoor tanning. With more than 40 million cases each year, it is one of the most common skin conditions treated by dermatologists. These skin growths are common because many people fail to use sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade to protect their skin. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin slowly and over time, can cause precancerous changes.
Although finding actinic keratosis on your skin means that it is badly damaged by the sun, there is good news in that it’s not too late to treat. Below are 5 facts you must know about precancerous skin growths.
Treatment can prevent actinic keratosis from progressing to skin cancer. Dermatologists have no way to predict if a precancerous skin growth will form a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma; however, if treated, the growth is not able to progress further.
Treatment can help relieve symptoms of itchiness or tenderness. Some precancerous skin growths can feel tender or itchy and can even bleed, but removing the spots relieves those symptoms.
Some people may need multiple treatments. Depending on how severely your skin has been damaged, you may have many spots that require treatment. Your individual treatment plan may include various forms of treatment to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and with that, may require multiple visits to your dermatologist.
Sun protection provides many benefits. Even after your skin has developed actinic keratosis, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun using sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade. First, it helps to prevent even more damage to your skin by either more precancerous skin growths or skin cancer. Second, it allows your body the ability to repair some of the damaged skin.
Skin cancer exams can be life-saving. When you find a precancerous skin growth, you are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. However, finding both actinic keratosis and skin cancer in the early stages is extremely beneficial because they are still highly treatable.
We recommend having your skin checked regularly for precancerous skin growths to ensure the best possible outcome for treatment. Call our team at Asheville Dermatology at (828) 253-2533 to schedule your appointment.
