What are the characteristics of actinic (solar) keratosis?
1) It displays dysplastic changes resulting from chronic exposure to sunlight and is associated with a build up of keratin.
2) It is usually less than 1cm in diameter and is hyperkeratotic (tan brown, red or skin coloured) with a scaly rough consistency on the face, back or neck.
3) It is a type of skin cancer caused by excessive sun exposure.
4) It can be treated with gentle curettage, freezing, or chemotherapy topical application.