Actinic Keratoses

Brown Spots / Age Spots / Actinic Keratoses (Skin Patches)

Brown spots on the skin, also called hyperpigmented lesions, can develop for a variety of reasons. Skin that has been chronically exposed to sunlight can develop a rough texture and brown areas called lentigines or age spots.

Actinic keratoses are dry, scaly pre-cancerous lesions or patches that form on sun exposed areas of the skin, including the scalp, face, forearms, and back of the hands. A single lesion is called an “actinic keratosis” or “solar keratosis”. Actinic keratosis are usually scaly, feel like sandpaper to the touch, and range in color from skin-toned to reddish-brown. Actinic keratosis may be as small as the head of a pin or as large as a quarter (or bigger, if left untreated).