Actinic Keratosis vs. Melasma
Similarities:
- Both are chronic conditions triggered by long-term sun exposure.
- They are more common in sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands.
- Sun protection (sunscreen, protective clothing) is essential to prevent worsening of both conditions.
Differences:
- Actinic Keratosis is a precancerous condition, where rough, scaly patches form due to cumulative UV damage and can potentially develop into skin cancer.
- Melasma is a pigmentation disorder, characterized by brown or gray patches of skin, often due to hormonal changes and sun exposure, but it is not associated with skin cancer risks.
- Actinic keratosis feels rough to the touch, while melasma presents as smooth, discolored patches.