4. Changes in Your Skin
The most common way people affected by actinic keratosis discover their condition is by noticing changes to their skin. It’s normal for the epidermis to develop wrinkles and turn a darker color as we age, especially if we have regular exposure to the sun.
However, with the development of actinic keratosis, affected individuals typically notice the start of the condition due to the development of a pinkish lesion covering an area about the size of a penny on the skin.
Growths are not always circular and can be long and thin, or rectangular in shape. In most cases, people with tanned skin will notice the lesion takes on the appearance of pale or pink skin, similar to when a scab falls off, leaving behind a fresh layer.
It’s critical for people that spend lots of time in the sun to pay attention to their skin. If you can’t look at your back in a mirror, have a friend or family member check it for you.