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Also known as solar keratosis, actinic keratosis affects more than 10 million Americans. These precancerous growths on the skin are caused by overexposure to the sun over a long period of time. They are characterized by rough dry lesions or patches that appear on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, back of hands, arms, scalp or shoulders. The lesions may be red, pink, gray or skin colored. Lesions often begin as flat, scaly areas and develop into a rough-textured surface. Sometimes it is easier to feel a growth than it is to see it.
Actinic keratosis is more common among fair-skinned people and those who have had years of outdoor or tanning bed exposure to ultraviolet light. Actinic keratosis can develop into malignant cells, typically squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer. That’s why treatment isimportant. After a physical examination and biopsy of the lesion, your dermatologist will opt for one of the following treatments to remove the growth:
May River Dermatology I Bluffton, SC
Bluffton Dermatologist
350 Fording Island Road
Suite 100
Bluffton, SC 29910
(843) 837-4400
May River Dermatology I Hilton Head, SC
Hilton Head Dermatologist
25 Hospital Center Commons
Suite 200
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
(843) 837-4400
May River Dermatology I Port Royal, SC
1813 Richmond Avenue
Port Royal, SC 29935
(843) 837-4400
May River Dermatology I Johns Creek, GA
10680 Medlock Bridge Road
Suite 204
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(470) 282-5729
Voted by Bluffton Today readers "Best Dermatologist," Carmen A. Traywick, MD
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Favorite Dermatologist, Carmen A. Traywick, MD
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019