Difference between Actinic Keratosis and Psoriasis


Rough, red, precancerous patches can appear on the skin due to a condition called actinic keratosis. Psoriasis occurs when an inflammatory reaction causes regions of the skin to become red and scaly.

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis develops when epidermal keratinocytes undergo alterations.

  • Causes and prevalence − Actinic keratosis is caused by being exposed to the sun's UV rays. The illness manifests up after repeated sunburns over time and often affects those with fair skin in their medium to late adult years.

  • Symptoms and complications − Areas of skin change texture and appearance, becoming rough and scaly. They often manifest as round, dry areas of skin with a diameter of less than 2.5 cm. Pink, red, or brown patches of skin are common in places that receive a lot of light, such the face and arms, and are caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays. It is a precancerous state that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

  • Diagnosis − This disorder can be diagnosed with certainty by a clinical examination of the skin and a biopsy of skin lesions.

  • Treatment − Ointments containing alpha-hydroxy acids or the chemical tretinoin can be applied to the affected areas of the skin. It is possible to use electrocautery to remove the skin samples for analysis. Future sun or tanning bed exposure should be avoided since this might cause the condition to persist or even worsen. The skin may be shielded from the sun by using sunblock and by wearing protective gear.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder characterised by the development of red, scaly patches anywhere on the body.

  • Causes and prevalence − Psoriasis has several possible origins, but it is always associated with an inflammatory immune response involving T cells. Sunburn, HIV infection, stress,alcohol, certain drugs, and extreme obesity are all risk factors for developing the illness. Only approximately 3% of people have psoriasis, but that's still a lot.

  • Symptoms and complications − Psoriasis manifests itself clinically by the development of red, itchy, and scaly areas of skin. The backs of the knees and elbows, as well as the scalp, are common places to find such skin. It's not just the buttocks and genitalia that might get these crimson bumps—the patches can occasionally be elevated and appear elsewhere on the body, too. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of joint discomfort caused by the illness that affects some people.

  • Diagnosis − Psoriasis is diagnosed using a combination of symptoms, a patient's medical history, and a skin biopsy. Psoriasis is often diagnosed after other skin disorders have been ruled out by dermatologists. If skin lesions and joint discomfort occur together, a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis may be made.

  • Treatment − Ointments containing salicylic acid, vitamin D lotion, and corticosteroid ointments are all potential treatment options. The patient and the severity of their psoriasis will determine the precise therapy choices available to them. In extreme circumstances, oral medications like methotrexate may be recommended.

Differences: Actinic Keratosis and Psoriasis

The following table highlights the major differences between Actinic Keratosis and Psoriasis −

Characteristics

Actinic Keratosis

Psoriasis

Definition

Changes in keratinocytes cause the scaly, rough lesions known as actinic keratosis.

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterised by the development of scaly, red patches brought on by inflammation.

Symptoms

Actinic keratosis lesions, or patches, are rough and reddish in colour.

Psoriasis is characterised by red, flaky skin patches.

Type

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous disease of the skin that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

Actinic keratosis is not linked to arthritis.

Psoriasis, albeit a skin disorder, is not a precancerous condition since it does not progress to skin cancer.

There may be a link between psoriasis and arthritis.

Treatment

Surgery to remove damaged regions of skin and topical lotions containing tretinoin are both effective treatments for actinic keratosis.

Topical treatments for psoriasis include salicylic acid and vitamin D lotions, as well as corticosteroid ointments.

Conclusion

In certain cases, squamous cell carcinoma (cancer) develops from actinic keratosis. Psoriasis, on the other hand, raises the risk of getting secondary infections and, in certain circumstances, can lead to the development of arthritis.

Updated on: 01-Mar-2023

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