ACTINIC KERATOSIS 

This small rough spot on the skin often occurs in areas chronically exposed to the sun, commonly the face, scalp and neck, forearms, upper chest and hands.  Though actinic keratosis may take years to develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, the epidermis must be monitored for them with regular screenings, and if found, they must be promptly examined by a healthcare provider.  Fair-skinned people are most susceptible to actinic keratosis, and require regular full-body skin cancer screenings. The best way to prevent the occurrence of these pre-cancerous lesions is through vigilant sun protection.