Actinic Keratoses

What Are Actinic Keratoses?

Actinic keratoses are sun-induced precancerous growths that often feel rough or gritty and may be pink, red, tan, or skin-colored. A small proportion can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

How Is It Evaluated?

Assessment includes lesion history, visual and tactile examination, and evaluation for warning signs such as tenderness, rapid growth, bleeding, ulceration, or thickening.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Treatment may include lesion-directed destruction, field therapy coordination, biopsy, or referral to dermatology depending on number, location, appearance, and risk.

Is an actinic keratosis skin cancer?

It is not invasive skin cancer, but it is considered precancerous. Evaluation and appropriate treatment reduce risk and help identify lesions that may already be more advanced.

Why Choose Hagen Health & Absolute Aesthetics?

Care is provided in Mukilteo, Washington, with an individualized medical approach and treatment recommendations based on your history, skin or health concerns, and goals. Patients visit from Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Snohomish County, and Whidbey Island.

Elizabeth’s Approach

I take rough or changing sun-damaged spots seriously because evaluation comes before cosmetic treatment. Explore medical dermatology and related options.

Aftercare and Next Steps

Follow the specific wound-care or medication instructions provided. Protect treated skin from sun and contact the clinic for infection signs, poor healing, or a lesion that persists, grows, bleeds, or changes.