Long-term sun exposure can cause a precancerous lesion that is commonly called actinic keratosis or solar keratosis. These frequently develop on the face, ears, scalp, neck, forehead, back of your hands, and other areas that are exposed to the sun or indoor tanning most often.

The lesions are pink-red in color and feel like dry rough spots on your skin. If you have fair hair, light hair, and/or light eyes you're more likely to develop them. Older people who have been in the sun more have an increased chance of actinic keratosis.

Actinic keratosis is a cause for concern and treatment because the lesions can turn into squamous cell carcinoma (cancer). At Bradenton Dermatology & Laser Center, we take this condition very seriously. When you visit our office, we'll do an examination and make a diagnosis. A biopsy may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis. If treatment is warranted, our physician can draw from a number of options.