AK Global Day is an opportunity to check your skin for Actinic Keratosis and make sure the people you love are informed about the condition.
Actinic Keratosis (AK) is a common2 potentially pre-cancerous3 skin condition, caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation4 from the sun. It’s also known as «Solar Keratosis».
AK lesions themselves aren’t immediately harmful but, if left untreated, some AKs will develop into Squamous Cell Carcinomas – a type of skin cancer (40 - 80 % of SCCs evolve from AK)5. That’s why it’s important to check your skin for this ‘early warning sign’ and treat any lesions early on. Visible AKscan also be a sign of further ‘non-visible’ lesions beneath the skin,11 so seek advice from your doctor if you find any unusual marks – even if it’s only one or two. When diagnosed promptly, almost all AKs can be successfully removed. 7
Visible lesions
Non-visible lesions
Anyone can develop an AK on their skin but they’re most common in men and women over the age of 60.² Because AKs are caused by cumulative exposure to the sun,² the older you are, the more likely you are to develop them.¹
Certain lifestyles and physical traits can also increase your risk:²
Skin type
• Fair or sensitive skin • Freckles
Colouring
• Red or blonde hair • Blue or light- coloured eyes • Baldness or very little hair
Outdoor work
Such as construction, sports coaching, landscaping, etc.
Outdoor hobbies
Such as football, tennis, gardening, etc.
Artificial UV
Such as using tanning beds or booths
Chronic
People previously diagnosed with AK are more likely to develop it again.
Parents, friends, or other relatives over 60 are at a higher risk of developing AK.² Whilst it can be a sensitive topic to discuss, taking the time to explain what to look for could help them prevent a more serious condition further down the line.³
Reassure them that AKs themselves aren’t immediately harmful but checking for and treating any lesions now could prevent them from developing into skin cancer later.³ You might also find it useful to share this page:
Set a date for 24th May, to chat with a loved one:
AK lesions can appear on their own or in patches. They often look like small, rough, scaly areas of skin, around 1-2cm in size, and can be red, white, pink, flesh-toned, or a combination of colours. Two lesions can look quite different, even on the same person.6
The surrounding skin can sometimes look slightly yellow, with spots or broken blood vessels but it can also appear normal. Some lesions can be very small, or almost invisible, but can be identified by their rough texture.6
AK lesions can develop anywhere on the body but are most often found in sun-exposed areas:6
Remember, both visible and non-visible AKs can be a sign of further lesions beneath the skin,¹¹ so speak to your doctor about any unusual marks, regardless of their size or appearance.
Firstly – don’t panic. Remember, AKs can usually be successfully treated if diagnosed promptly.7 Recognise an AK as an ‘early warning’ and make an appointment with your doctor straight away, for further advice. For further information on AK:
If you see signs of Actinic Keratosis you should go and see your
family doctor or, if possible, a dermatologist. They can see you
and examine the rest of your skin for signs of skin cancer and sun
damage, and recommend treatments for this very common condition.
Dr. Bav Shergill - Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK
This content has been developed by:
1. S. Flohil et al. Prevalence of Actinic Keratosis and Its Risk Factors in the General Population: The Rotterdam Study. 2013
2. E. Marques et al. Actinic Keratosis. 2023
3. Stockfleth E, et al. Physician Perceptions and Experience of Current Treatment in Actin sis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015; 29(2):298-306
4. Reinehr C., et al. Actinic Keratosis: review of clinical, dermoscopic, and therapeutic aspects. 2019 Nov-Dec; 94(6): 637-657
5. Stockfleth E, et al. Physician Perceptions and Experience of Current Treatment in Actin sis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2015; 29(2):298-306
6. Casari A. et al. Actinic Keratosis and Non-Invasive Diagnostic Techniques- An Update. January 2018
7. Uhlenlake E. Optimal Treatment of Actinic Keratosis. 2013; 8: 29-35
8. MacKie R. Awareness, knowledge and attitudes to basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratoses among the general public in Europe. 2003. JEADV 18, 552-555
9. A. Grada et al. Trends in Office Visits for the Five Most Common Skin Diseases in the United States. 2022; 15(5): E82-E86
10. Lucas R, et al. Solar ultraviolet radiation: Global burden of disease from solar ultraviolet radiation: World Health Organization, 2006
11. Schmitz L, et. Al. Actinic Keratosis: Correlation Between Clinical and Histological Classification Systems. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016;30(8):1303-1307
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