Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) looks like a rough, scaly patch on the skin. The color may be from tan or red to brown, depending on skin color. Actinic keratosis also is called solar keratosis. It's commonly found on areas of the skin often exposed to sunlight in people who have white skin. Sometimes, actinic keratosis may develop into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Because there's no way to tell if one of these patches will become cancer, all actinic keratoses need treatment. Make a medical appointment if you notice a patch on your skin that could be actinic keratosis.