Actinic keratosis is a scaly or crusty bump that arises on the skin surface. It is also known as a solar keratosis. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, or a combination. Occasionally it itches or becomes inflamed and surrounded by redness. In rare instances, actinic keratosis can even bleed. It is most likely to appear on the face, ears, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and forearms, shoulders, and lips - the parts of the body most often exposed to sunshine. Why is actinic keratosis dangerous? It can be the first step in the development of skin cancer, and is therefore a precursor of cancer. If treated early, almost all actinic keratosis can be eliminated without becoming skin cancers. But untreated, about two to five percent of these lesions may progress to squamous cell carcinomas. Actinic cheilitis is another for of actinic keratosis that develops on the lips and may evolve into a type of squamous cell carcinoma that can spread rapidly to other parts of the body. Ask your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon about suspected areas on your face.