What are the brown spots on skin that you can scrape off?
Actinic keratosis lesions are typically classified as brownish or reddish spots that appear from exposure to ultraviolet rays. They can be scratched or picked off but doing so can cause infection. The lesions also have a tendency of returning after removal.FeaturesActinic keratosis skin lesions can appear as rough, scaly patches on the lips, ears, hands, back, scalp, neck and forearms, according to the Mayo Clinic.SymptomsThe lesions are usually less than 1 inch in diameter and can resemble a hard, wart-like surface. They can be brown in color but also pink, red or flesh-colored. Actinic keratosis lesions enlarge slowly and cause no other symptoms.SignificanceThese lesions can be scratched or picked off but doing so can cause infection. Actinic keratosis often returns after removal.WarningA doctor should be notified if the lesion bleeds, is painful, itches or burns, or becomes crusty or scaly. Any lesion or spot should be looked at if it changes in shape, color, elevation or size.FactA
