The Rough Patch That Doesn't Disappear – When Is It More Than Just Dryness?

Sometimes we run a hand over the face and feel a small, rough area.

It looks like a dry patch, sometimes slightly reddish, and we apply moisturizer to it.

But despite the care, the rough texture doesn't disappear.

In certain cases it's a phenomenon called Actinic Keratosis.

What is actinic keratosis?

It is a change in the skin usually caused by cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or from tanning beds.

The lesions appear mainly in sun-exposed areas, such as the face, the scalp, the ears, the hands, and the arms.

They can look like reddish, brown, or skin-colored patches, and sometimes they are felt by touch even before they are noticed by eye.

Why is it important to know this phenomenon?

Because actinic keratosis is considered a precancerous lesion.

Some of the lesions may develop over time into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

It's not possible to know with certainty which lesion will develop and which won't, and therefore it's important to get checked and receive an appropriate medical recommendation.

Can moisturizer help?

Moisturizer can soften dry skin, but it is not a sufficient treatment for actinic keratosis.

If a rough patch doesn't disappear, returns again and again, bleeds, or grows, it's important to see a dermatologist.

What treatments exist?

A dermatologist may recommend freezing with liquid nitrogen, local drug treatment, photodynamic therapy, or other options.

The choice of treatment depends on the number of lesions, their location, and the state of the skin.

What can be done to reduce the risk?

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 at least.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hours when the radiation is strong.

Use a hat, protective clothing, and shade.

And maintain skin examinations according to a doctor's recommendation.

My daily recommendation

I think this is one of the most important topics in this series of articles.

We are used to thinking about sun damage in terms of wrinkles and spots, but sometimes it's about changes related to the skin's health and not only to its appearance.

If there is a rough area that doesn't disappear, it's not advisable to assume it's regular dryness.

Sometimes a short examination at a dermatologist can be much more important than another cream.

Nurit Rozenblat

With love,
Nurit Rozenblat
OrOrgani

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