What is a typical feature of actinic keratosis?

A typical feature of actinic keratosis is rough, scaly patches. Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin condition that arises due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, often associated with sun damage. These lesions commonly appear as dry, flaky, or scaly spots that can be red, pink, or skin-toned and are typically found on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, scalp, and backs of the hands.

The texture of actinic keratosis is key in distinguishing it from other skin conditions. The scaly nature often leads patients to describe them as feeling rough, resembling sandpaper to the touch. This characteristic is significant in clinical assessment, as untreated actinic keratosis has the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

In contrast, the other options describe different skin conditions or features that do not align with actinic keratosis. For instance, smooth, shiny surfaces are more indicative of conditions like seborrheic keratosis, whereas red, crusted lesions could be associated with conditions such as eczema or certain dermatitis. Blistered areas do not correspond to actinic keratosis, as blistering suggests an inflammatory process or infection rather than the kerat