Actinic Keratosis is a pre-cancerous condition of the upper layer of skin. It is caused by prolonged, chronic exposure to the sun and are often found on the face, chest, and the backs of the hands. The skin can look red or brownish in these areas and will be slightly raised, roughened, or scaly. They can be slightly tender to touch, especially when exposed to sunlight. Actinic keratoses are usually treated by a light freezing with liquid nitrogen. We do recommend treatment of actinic keratosis because, if they are not treated, they may turn into skin cancers called squamous cell carcinomas.