Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by excessive exposure to the sun, that may sometimes progress into dangerous skin cancers. More than 5 million Americans live with these lesions, and far too many people ignore this condition. Doctors estimate that 40% of squamous cell carcinomas, the second leading cause of skin cancer deaths in the United States, begin as AKs. For this reason, the American Cancer Society, The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology all recommend that people with AKs seek treatment immediately.

When AKs become larger and thicker, they are referred to as "hyperkeratotic" and should be treated by a physician. For non-hyperkaratotic AKs, successful treatments include Levulan® , and/or laser therapy.