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Overview
Actinic keratoses appear on the face, ears, scalp, and hands.
Some can turn into squamous cell skin cancer.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonA rough, scaly spot.
Causes
Caused by sun damage.
OwieClear has pages on 3 conditions that can cause rough, scaly spot on sun-exposed skin. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Actinic keratosis (sun damage spot)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
A rough, scaly, sandpaper-like spot on sun-exposed skin like the face, scalp, ears, or hands.
Less likely causes
- Basal cell carcinomaSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
The most common cancer in people.
- Lip cancerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
Cancer of the lip, usually the lower lip, caused mostly by sun exposure.
What you can do at home
- Use sunscreen.
Medicines
Freezing, creams, or light therapy.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Sun exposure
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- Biopsy if needed
Prevention
Protect your skin.
- Sunscreen
- Hats
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.