When you spend too much time in the sun, the exposure can cause short-term consequences\u2014such as burning the outer part of the skin, resulting in a temporary sunburn\u2014but ultraviolet light also gets into the inner layers, resulting in permanent DNA damage and killing skin cells. These changes lead to premature aging, causing the skin to become wrinkled, leathery, dried out, and uneven. It can also increase a person\u2019s risk of skin cancer, including by causing precancerous skin growths to develop. So what exactly are these lesions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cumulative, unprotected exposure to sunlight or artificial tanning may eventually lead to the formation of actinic keratoses, also known as solar keratoses or premalignant lesions. It\u2019s important to monitor your skin for these growths and to have them examined and treated by a professional, because while they aren\u2019t cancer, some types can eventually evolve into skin cancer. Our St. Petersburg<\/a> and St. Pete Beach based Nelson Dermatology team is sharing these tips to help you recognize potential pre-cancerous skin lesions before they have the chance to develop further and become truly dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that the signs of actinic keratosis can often seem very similar to skin cancer, but the lesions are usually less obvious and may also be confused for age spots. Pre-cancerous growths may vary greatly in size and appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 They\u2019re usually found on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, and the backs of the hands.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 They typically appear as small, wart-like skin lesions (they\u2019re usually less than an inch in diameter) that have a dry, scaly, or rough and sandpapery texture. Sometimes it\u2019s easier to identify them based on their texture rather than color.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 They usually have a reddish or pinkish color, but can also vary in hue and may appear as white, tan, flesh-toned, or brownish spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 They resemble flat or slightly raised bumps on the surface of the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Symptoms such as bleeding, burning, itching, and crusting are common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 There are usually several growths, and they may be located close together on one area of skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re concerned about a new or changing spot on your skin, contact us to have it examined. For more advice on identifying pre-cancerous skin growths and skin cancer, contact our team at St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach based Nelson Dermatology<\/a>. Contact us<\/a> by calling 727-895-8131, or book a consultation online to get started. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When you spend too much time in the sun, the exposure can cause short-term consequences\u2014such as burning the outer part of the skin, resulting in a temporary sunburn\u2014but ultraviolet light also gets into the inner layers, resulting in permanent DNA damage and killing skin cells. These changes lead to premature aging, causing the skin to … <\/p>\n