Some spots on your skin like actinic keratosis or nevi aren’t a problem at first. However, these skin spots might increase your risk of skin cancer later on, or even turn into cancer.While looking at pictures of actinic keratosis or psoriasis might help you figure out what skin condition you’re dealing with, it doesn’t replace an expert’s exam.Of course, diagnosingskin canceris far from straightforward, so if you have any doubts, contact your dermatologist or primary care provider.These pictures of actinic keratosis and other skin conditions can help you see the differences between cancerous, noncancerous, andprecancerouslesions.
Some spots on your skin like actinic keratosis or nevi aren’t a problem at first. However, these skin spots might increase your risk of skin cancer later on, or even turn into cancer.
While looking at pictures of actinic keratosis or psoriasis might help you figure out what skin condition you’re dealing with, it doesn’t replace an expert’s exam.
Of course, diagnosingskin canceris far from straightforward, so if you have any doubts, contact your dermatologist or primary care provider.
These pictures of actinic keratosis and other skin conditions can help you see the differences between cancerous, noncancerous, andprecancerouslesions.
Actinic Keratosis on an Arm
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJodi Jacobson / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
They appear predominantly on sun-exposed areas of the skin such as the face, neck, back of the hands and forearms, upper chest, and upper back. You can also develop keratoses along the rim of your ear.
In pictures of actinic keratosis, you’ll see they are typically pink, scaly, and flat. It’s also common to have harmless brown spots or “liver spots.”
Actinic keratoses are premalignant lesions. From 1% to 10% will become squamous cell carcinomas.
Actinic Keratosis Facts
Pictures of Actinic Keratosis on a ScalpThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoFuture FamDoc/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0Areas with high sun exposure such as the scalp (on bald individuals), forearms, face, and back of the neck are common sites for actinic keratoses.If you’re looking at pictures of actinic keratoses on the scalp and comparing it to what your skin looks like, you’ll see flat, scaly lesions. Sometimes, the lesions get crusty. They may turn pink or red, or just be the same color as your skin.
Pictures of Actinic Keratosis on a Scalp
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoFuture FamDoc/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0
Areas with high sun exposure such as the scalp (on bald individuals), forearms, face, and back of the neck are common sites for actinic keratoses.
If you’re looking at pictures of actinic keratoses on the scalp and comparing it to what your skin looks like, you’ll see flat, scaly lesions. Sometimes, the lesions get crusty. They may turn pink or red, or just be the same color as your skin.
Pictures of Actinic Keratosis on an EarThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoFuture FamDoc/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0In pictures of actinic keratoses on the ear, you’ll see the lesions on the top. This is an area of skin that tends to get a lot of sun exposure. The brown spots in the photo are scaly and rough. They can also bleed.
Pictures of Actinic Keratosis on an Ear
In pictures of actinic keratoses on the ear, you’ll see the lesions on the top. This is an area of skin that tends to get a lot of sun exposure. The brown spots in the photo are scaly and rough. They can also bleed.
Pictures of Actinic Keratosis Close-UpThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoFuture FamDoc/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0Actinic keratoses lesions feel rough and dry, which often makes them easier to feel than to see—especially up close.When you look at pictures of actinic keratoses close up, you might notice some different details about them.For example, the lesions are initially flat and scaly on the surface and become slightly raised. Over time, they become hard and wart-like or gritty, rough, and sandpapery.Actinic keratoses may develop a horn-like texture (called a cutaneous horn) from an overgrowth of the skin keratin layer also known as hyperkeratosis.Actinic Keratosis vs. Basal Cell Carcinoma: Differences and Similarities
Pictures of Actinic Keratosis Close-Up
Actinic keratoses lesions feel rough and dry, which often makes them easier to feel than to see—especially up close.
When you look at pictures of actinic keratoses close up, you might notice some different details about them.
For example, the lesions are initially flat and scaly on the surface and become slightly raised. Over time, they become hard and wart-like or gritty, rough, and sandpapery.
Actinic keratoses may develop a horn-like texture (called a cutaneous horn) from an overgrowth of the skin keratin layer also known as hyperkeratosis.
Actinic Keratosis vs. Basal Cell Carcinoma: Differences and Similarities
Pictures of Spitz NevusThe Armed Forces Institute of Pathology/Wikimedia CommonsChildren may develop a benign lesion called a Spitz nevus. If you look at pictures of a Spitz nevus, you’ll see the mole is typically firm, raised, and pink or reddish-brown.It can also be smooth or scaly and usually appears on the face, particularly the cheeks.A Spitz nevus is not harmful but may be difficult to differentiate from melanoma, even for experts.Spitz Nevus (Mole): How It Looks and When to Remove One
Pictures of Spitz Nevus
The Armed Forces Institute of Pathology/Wikimedia Commons
Children may develop a benign lesion called a Spitz nevus. If you look at pictures of a Spitz nevus, you’ll see the mole is typically firm, raised, and pink or reddish-brown.
It can also be smooth or scaly and usually appears on the face, particularly the cheeks.
A Spitz nevus is not harmful but may be difficult to differentiate from melanoma, even for experts.
Spitz Nevus (Mole): How It Looks and When to Remove One
Pictures of Atypical Nevi
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoM. Sand, D. Sand, C. Thrandorf, V. Paech, P. Altmeyer, F. G. Bechara/Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-2.0
Although most moles are benign, certain types of moles carry a higher risk for melanoma. It’s possible that up to 18% of the population has moles called dysplastic nevi, which are larger than ordinary moles.
If you look at pictures of atypical nevi, you’ll see that most are 5 mm across or larger, have irregular borders, and come in various shades or colors.
If you have dysplastic nevi plus a family history of melanoma—a syndrome known as FAMM—you have a high risk for developing melanoma at an early age, younger than 40.
Will Your Nevus Develop Into a Skin Issue?
Pictures of PsoriasisThis photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoVOISIN/PHANIE / Getty ImagesPsoriasisis an autoimmune skin condition that can increase your risk of developingsquamous cell carcinoma. Studies conflict on whether it has any effect on melanoma. There is some evidence that long-term treatment for psoriasis using UVA radiation (PUVA) may increase your risk of melanoma.If you look at pictures of psoriasis, you’ll see that it looks like red, scaly patches of skin. These patches are often very itchy and dry.Symptoms of Psoriasis
Pictures of Psoriasis
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoVOISIN/PHANIE / Getty Images
Psoriasisis an autoimmune skin condition that can increase your risk of developingsquamous cell carcinoma. Studies conflict on whether it has any effect on melanoma. There is some evidence that long-term treatment for psoriasis using UVA radiation (PUVA) may increase your risk of melanoma.
If you look at pictures of psoriasis, you’ll see that it looks like red, scaly patches of skin. These patches are often very itchy and dry.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Pictures of Keratoacanthoma
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoJmarchn/Wikimedia Commons
Jmarchn/Wikimedia Commons
Keratoacanthomas are a low-grade subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. The majority occur in sun-exposed skin, usually on the hands or face.
They are typically skin-colored or slightly red when they first develop and can grow rapidly to 1 to 2 cm in size. Most will spontaneously get better within 1 year, but they almost always scar after healing.
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SummaryMost skin blemishes aren’t harmful. That said, if you notice any spots on your skin, it’s important to keep an eye on them. You should also know the signs of skin cancer and make an appointment with your provider if you’re concerned about any areas on your skin.Frequently Asked QuestionsActinic keratosis can look like other skin conditions, such as seborrheic keratosis. Some types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinomas, can also look like actinic keratosis.Learn MoreHow Seborrheic Keratosis Is TreatedActinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis can look similar but have some key differences. Seborrheic keratosis lesions can be flat plaques like actinic keratosis lesions, but they tend to be a little more raised. They look kind of like a sticker someone stuck on their skin.A seborrheic keratosis lesion usually feels rough but can be waxy. Actinic keratosis tends to feel dry and crusty.Pictures of 20 Types of Skin Lesions
Summary
Most skin blemishes aren’t harmful. That said, if you notice any spots on your skin, it’s important to keep an eye on them. You should also know the signs of skin cancer and make an appointment with your provider if you’re concerned about any areas on your skin.
Frequently Asked QuestionsActinic keratosis can look like other skin conditions, such as seborrheic keratosis. Some types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinomas, can also look like actinic keratosis.Learn MoreHow Seborrheic Keratosis Is TreatedActinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis can look similar but have some key differences. Seborrheic keratosis lesions can be flat plaques like actinic keratosis lesions, but they tend to be a little more raised. They look kind of like a sticker someone stuck on their skin.A seborrheic keratosis lesion usually feels rough but can be waxy. Actinic keratosis tends to feel dry and crusty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Actinic keratosis can look like other skin conditions, such as seborrheic keratosis. Some types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinomas, can also look like actinic keratosis.Learn MoreHow Seborrheic Keratosis Is Treated
Actinic keratosis can look like other skin conditions, such as seborrheic keratosis. Some types of skin cancer, like basal cell carcinomas, can also look like actinic keratosis.
Learn MoreHow Seborrheic Keratosis Is Treated
Actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis can look similar but have some key differences. Seborrheic keratosis lesions can be flat plaques like actinic keratosis lesions, but they tend to be a little more raised. They look kind of like a sticker someone stuck on their skin.A seborrheic keratosis lesion usually feels rough but can be waxy. Actinic keratosis tends to feel dry and crusty.
Actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis can look similar but have some key differences. Seborrheic keratosis lesions can be flat plaques like actinic keratosis lesions, but they tend to be a little more raised. They look kind of like a sticker someone stuck on their skin.
A seborrheic keratosis lesion usually feels rough but can be waxy. Actinic keratosis tends to feel dry and crusty.
Pictures of 20 Types of Skin Lesions
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hinojosa JA, Williams CL, Vandergriff T, Le LQ.Arsenical keratosis secondary to Fowler solution.JAAD Case Rep. 2017;4(1):72-74. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.008Sahoo A, Chakraborty N, Kumar P.Seborrhoeic keratosis of external auditory canal & its management.Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2023;35(2). doi:10.22038/IJORL.2023.67509.3307Hashim PW, Chen T, Rigel D, Bhatia N, Kircik LH.Actinic keratosis: current therapies and insights into new treatments.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):s161-166..Majidian M, Anderson J, Rock J, Ai R, Whitaker J, Howell M, Moy R.Non-invasive diagnosis of sun damaged skin: actinic keratosis vs squamous cell carcinoma.J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(5):440-444. doi:10.36849/JDD.7097Nair PA, Chaudhary AH, Mehta MJ.Actinic keratosis underlying cutaneous horn at an unusual site-a case report.Ecancermedicalscience. 2013;7:376.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Spitz nevus.Baigrie D, Tanner LS.Dysplastic nevi. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.Viana AC, Gontijo B, Bittencourt FV.Giant congenital melanocytic nevus [published correction appears in An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jan-Feb;89(1):190].An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):863-878. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132233Geller S, Xu H, Lebwohl M, Nardone B, Lacouture ME, Kheterpal M.Malignancy risk and recurrence with psoriasis and its treatments: a concise update.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19(3):363-375. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0337-2American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Keratoacanthoma.Marks JG, Miller JJ, Elsevier (Amsterdam).Lookingbill and Marks’ Principles of Dermatology.Elsevier; 2019.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Hinojosa JA, Williams CL, Vandergriff T, Le LQ.Arsenical keratosis secondary to Fowler solution.JAAD Case Rep. 2017;4(1):72-74. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.008Sahoo A, Chakraborty N, Kumar P.Seborrhoeic keratosis of external auditory canal & its management.Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2023;35(2). doi:10.22038/IJORL.2023.67509.3307Hashim PW, Chen T, Rigel D, Bhatia N, Kircik LH.Actinic keratosis: current therapies and insights into new treatments.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):s161-166..Majidian M, Anderson J, Rock J, Ai R, Whitaker J, Howell M, Moy R.Non-invasive diagnosis of sun damaged skin: actinic keratosis vs squamous cell carcinoma.J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(5):440-444. doi:10.36849/JDD.7097Nair PA, Chaudhary AH, Mehta MJ.Actinic keratosis underlying cutaneous horn at an unusual site-a case report.Ecancermedicalscience. 2013;7:376.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Spitz nevus.Baigrie D, Tanner LS.Dysplastic nevi. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.Viana AC, Gontijo B, Bittencourt FV.Giant congenital melanocytic nevus [published correction appears in An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jan-Feb;89(1):190].An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):863-878. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132233Geller S, Xu H, Lebwohl M, Nardone B, Lacouture ME, Kheterpal M.Malignancy risk and recurrence with psoriasis and its treatments: a concise update.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19(3):363-375. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0337-2American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Keratoacanthoma.Marks JG, Miller JJ, Elsevier (Amsterdam).Lookingbill and Marks’ Principles of Dermatology.Elsevier; 2019.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Hinojosa JA, Williams CL, Vandergriff T, Le LQ.Arsenical keratosis secondary to Fowler solution.JAAD Case Rep. 2017;4(1):72-74. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.008Sahoo A, Chakraborty N, Kumar P.Seborrhoeic keratosis of external auditory canal & its management.Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2023;35(2). doi:10.22038/IJORL.2023.67509.3307Hashim PW, Chen T, Rigel D, Bhatia N, Kircik LH.Actinic keratosis: current therapies and insights into new treatments.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):s161-166..Majidian M, Anderson J, Rock J, Ai R, Whitaker J, Howell M, Moy R.Non-invasive diagnosis of sun damaged skin: actinic keratosis vs squamous cell carcinoma.J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(5):440-444. doi:10.36849/JDD.7097Nair PA, Chaudhary AH, Mehta MJ.Actinic keratosis underlying cutaneous horn at an unusual site-a case report.Ecancermedicalscience. 2013;7:376.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Spitz nevus.Baigrie D, Tanner LS.Dysplastic nevi. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.Viana AC, Gontijo B, Bittencourt FV.Giant congenital melanocytic nevus [published correction appears in An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jan-Feb;89(1):190].An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):863-878. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132233Geller S, Xu H, Lebwohl M, Nardone B, Lacouture ME, Kheterpal M.Malignancy risk and recurrence with psoriasis and its treatments: a concise update.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19(3):363-375. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0337-2American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Keratoacanthoma.Marks JG, Miller JJ, Elsevier (Amsterdam).Lookingbill and Marks’ Principles of Dermatology.Elsevier; 2019.
Hinojosa JA, Williams CL, Vandergriff T, Le LQ.Arsenical keratosis secondary to Fowler solution.JAAD Case Rep. 2017;4(1):72-74. doi:10.1016/j.jdcr.2017.11.008
Sahoo A, Chakraborty N, Kumar P.Seborrhoeic keratosis of external auditory canal & its management.Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2023;35(2). doi:10.22038/IJORL.2023.67509.3307
Hashim PW, Chen T, Rigel D, Bhatia N, Kircik LH.Actinic keratosis: current therapies and insights into new treatments.J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):s161-166..
Majidian M, Anderson J, Rock J, Ai R, Whitaker J, Howell M, Moy R.Non-invasive diagnosis of sun damaged skin: actinic keratosis vs squamous cell carcinoma.J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(5):440-444. doi:10.36849/JDD.7097
Nair PA, Chaudhary AH, Mehta MJ.Actinic keratosis underlying cutaneous horn at an unusual site-a case report.Ecancermedicalscience. 2013;7:376.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Spitz nevus.
Baigrie D, Tanner LS.Dysplastic nevi. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.
Viana AC, Gontijo B, Bittencourt FV.Giant congenital melanocytic nevus [published correction appears in An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jan-Feb;89(1):190].An Bras Dermatol. 2013;88(6):863-878. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132233
Geller S, Xu H, Lebwohl M, Nardone B, Lacouture ME, Kheterpal M.Malignancy risk and recurrence with psoriasis and its treatments: a concise update.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19(3):363-375. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0337-2
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Keratoacanthoma.
Marks JG, Miller JJ, Elsevier (Amsterdam).Lookingbill and Marks’ Principles of Dermatology.Elsevier; 2019.
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