Is actinic keratosis the same as solar lentigo?

Pigmented actinic keratosis is a variant of actinic keratosis that occurs less commonly. In contrast to presenting as an erythematous plaque, its appearance can mimic a pigmented lesion (lentigo maligna or solar lentigo) or a keratinocytic lesion (lichen planus-like keratosis).

Can solar lentigo become cancerous?

Are freckles dangerous? Though freckles and solar lentigines may be mistaken for malignant melanoma, they do not themselves turn into cancer, and thus are benign. However, some people find them cosmetically unappealing, especially on the face.

What does solar lentigo look like?

Solar lentigines (len-TIJ-ih-neez) are flat spots of increased pigmentation. They are usually tan, brown or dark brown and darker than freckles. Solar lentigines have oval to round shapes and vary in size. They usually appear on areas most exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, hands, arms and upper trunk.

Can solar lentigo become melanoma?

Lentigo maligna starts as a brown flat spot with an irregular shape that slowly gets bigger. Eventually the spot may develop into melanoma, a type of skin cancer that begins in the top layer of skin and then invades the underlying skin layer. See your doctor if you notice: A new skin growth.

What does actinic keratosis look like on the face?

What do actinic keratoses look like? AKs often appear as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. They may be red, light or dark tan, white, pink, flesh-toned or a combination of colors and are sometimes raised. Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often easier to feel than see.

Is solar lentigo harmless?

Solar lentigines are harmless. Some skin conditions that may resemble lentigines may be more serious, such as: moles. melanoma, which is a malignant skin cancer.

How do you get rid of solar lentigo?

Your dermatologist might recommend one of these treatments:

  1. medicines like bleaching creams containing hydroquinone or retinoids (tretinoin)
  2. chemical peels.
  3. skin resurfacing.
  4. laser or intense pulse light therapy to destroy melanocytes.
  5. freezing (cryotherapy) to destroy melanocytes.

Can lentigo be benign?

Lentigo are benign pigmented macules that result from increased activity of epidermal melanocytes. Lentigo like lesion can be benign or malignant, hence it is important to rule out malignant lesions. While there are many benign lesions that look like lentigo, some malignant lesion can also look like benign lentigo.

Is solar lentigo benign?

Solar lentigo (eg, actinic lentigo, senile lentigo, sun spot, liver spot) is the most common benign sun-induced lesion that occurs in sun-exposed areas.

What is the best way to treat actinic keratosis at home?

At-home treatment for actinic keratosis

  1. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream: You apply this once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
  2. Diclofenac sodium gel: This medication tends to cause less of a skin reaction than 5-FU, but it can still be very effective.