What is sun damage and how does it affect your skin?
If you’ve spent years outdoors—whether sun-bathing, golfing, gardening, farming, or engaging in outdoor activities—without consistent high-SPF sunscreen protection, you’re likely experiencing cumulative sun damage. While a tan may have looked attractive years ago, the long-term consequences are now visible: rough, scaly spots; blotchy pigmentation; age spots; persistent sores that bleed or won’t heal; leather-like, leathery texture; and premature wrinkles that make your skin look old and tired.
Sun damage is cumulative and progressive. The UV radiation you received decades ago continues to affect your skin today. This damage can progress from benign sun spots to precancerous growths (actinic keratosis) to life-threatening skin cancer.
Early recognition and treatment of sun-damaged skin can prevent skin cancer, reverse some damage, and restore healthier, more youthful appearance.
What are actinic keratosis and pre-cancerous skin growths?
Actinic keratosis (AK), also called solar keratosis, is a pre-cancerous growth that develops on sun-exposed skin. These rough, scaly spots typically appear on the face, ears, neck, shoulders, and arms—areas with greatest sun exposure. Characteristics include:
- Rough, gritty texture—feels like sandpaper to the touch
- Red or brown color—often with a tan, pink, or skin-colored base
- Size—typically small, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters
- Tendency to appear and disappear—may regress spontaneously but often return or multiply
- Location—sun-exposed areas only (face, ears, scalp, chest, hands)
Why are actinic keratosis important? Approximately 5-20% of untreated actinic keratosis develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer. This is why all actinic keratosis should be treated, even if they appear benign.
Basal cell carcinoma vs. squamous cell carcinoma: types of skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and rarely spreads, but if left untreated can invade deeper skin layers and underlying tissue, causing disfigurement. Signs include:
- Shiny, pearly bump or nodule
- Persistent sore that bleeds or won’t heal
- Flat, scaly patch with irregular borders
- Usually appears on face, ears, or other sun-exposed areas
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer and grows more rapidly than BCC. It has a higher risk of spreading (metastasizing) to other body areas if left untreated. Signs include:
- Firm, raised bump or nodule
- Persistent scaly patch that bleeds easily
- Sore with raised, irregular borders and crusting center
- Often appears on face, ears, lips, and sun-exposed areas
Critical warning sign: Any persistent sore that bleeds, won’t heal after four weeks, or continues to enlarge should be evaluated by a dermatologist immediately. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer is nearly 100% curative.
Why early skin cancer detection is critical
The key to surviving skin cancer is early detection. When caught in early stages, skin cancer is nearly 100% curable. However, when left untreated, skin cancer can:
- Grow deeper into skin layers and underlying tissue
- Cause local destruction and disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery
- Spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes and other body areas
- Become life-threatening if melanoma or advanced SCC spreads systemically
This is why routine, regularly scheduled skin cancer screening with a board-certified dermatologist is essential if you have a history of sun exposure, fair skin, or family history of skin cancer.
Dr. Snyder’s approach to sun damage and skin cancer
Dr. Steven Barry Snyder is board-certified in dermatology and uniquely qualified to recognize pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths in their earliest stages. His approach includes:
- Thorough skin examination—evaluating all sun-exposed areas for concerning lesions
- Accurate diagnosis—using clinical judgment and, when appropriate, dermoscopy or skin biopsy
- Personalized treatment plans—recommending the safest, most effective treatment for your specific condition
- Appropriate follow-up scheduling—establishing surveillance plans to catch new growths early
- Sun protection education—recommending appropriate sunscreens and sun-protective strategies tailored to your skin type
Sun damage and skin cancer treatment options
Dr. Snyder offers multiple treatment approaches tailored to your diagnosis:
- Topical prescription medications—imiquimod or 5-fluorouracil for field treatment of actinic keratosis
- Cryosurgery (liquid nitrogen)—freezing individual actinic keratosis or small skin cancers
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT)—combining light-activated medications with specific wavelengths to destroy pre-cancerous and cancerous cells
- Laser treatments—ablative or non-ablative laser to treat actinic keratosis and damaged skin
- Chemical peels—prescription-strength peels to treat field damage and pre-cancerous growths
- GentleCure™ non-surgical radiation—FDA-cleared image-guided superficial radiation therapy for basal and squamous cell carcinomas
- Surgical excision—removal of skin cancer with careful margins to ensure complete elimination
- Electrosurgery—high-frequency electrical current to remove cancerous tissue
- Mohs micrographic surgery—precision tissue removal with real-time margin checking (referred to specialists when needed)
The best treatment depends on lesion type, size, location, and depth. Dr. Snyder will recommend the approach most likely to achieve cure while minimizing scarring and preserving normal appearance.
GentleCure: non-surgical skin cancer treatment
GentleCure™ is a breakthrough non-surgical option for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. This image-guided superficial radiation therapy uses low-energy X-rays guided by real-time ultrasound imaging to eliminate cancer cells while preserving healthy skin. Benefits include:
- No cutting, stitches, or surgical scarring
- 99%+ cure rate
- 99%+ patient satisfaction
- Painless treatment with zero downtime
- Ideal for cancers on the face, ears, and other cosmetically sensitive areas
- Can treat up to three skin cancers in a single visit
If you’ve been diagnosed with basal or squamous cell carcinoma, ask Dr. Snyder whether GentleCure is right for you.
Skin cancer surveillance and follow-up care
After treatment, regular follow-up is essential. Dr. Snyder will establish an appropriate surveillance schedule based on:
- Your skin cancer history and number of lesions treated
- Your individual risk factors (fair skin, family history, immunosuppression)
- Your cumulative sun exposure
- Your age and life expectancy
Most patients with a history of skin cancer need examination every 6-12 months. Some require more frequent monitoring. Patients without skin cancer but with significant sun damage or actinic keratosis may benefit from annual full-body skin exams.
Sun protection: preventing future sun damage and skin cancer
While we cannot undo past sun damage, we can prevent new damage and future skin cancer:
- Daily sunscreen—use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors
- Sun-protective clothing—wear long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats during peak sun hours (10 AM–4 PM)
- Seek shade—avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially midday
- Avoid tanning beds—UV exposure from tanning beds increases skin cancer risk
- Antioxidant skincare—vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide help protect against UV damage
- Regular skin checks—examine your own skin monthly for new or changing spots; use the ABCDE rule (see FAQs below)
Dr. Snyder can recommend specific sunscreens and sun-protective strategies tailored to your skin type and lifestyle.
What is the ABCDE rule for suspicious skin lesions?
A – Asymmetry: One half of the lesion doesn’t match the other half. B – Border irregularity: Borders are jagged, notched, or irregular instead of smooth. C – Color variation: Lesion contains multiple colors (brown, black, red, white, blue). D – Diameter: Lesion is larger than a pencil eraser (>6mm). E – Evolving: Lesion is changing in size, shape, or color. Any lesion meeting these criteria should be evaluated by a dermatologist immediately.
How often should I get a skin cancer screening?
If you have no history of skin cancer, annual full-body skin exams are recommended, especially if you have fair skin or significant sun exposure history. If you’ve had skin cancer or pre-cancerous growths, Dr. Snyder typically recommends exams every 6-12 months. Some high-risk patients may need more frequent monitoring. During your consultation, Dr. Snyder will establish the appropriate surveillance schedule for you.
Can actinic keratosis be prevented or reversed?
Actinic keratosis cannot be completely prevented if you have extensive sun exposure history, but progression can be slowed through rigorous sun protection. Some actinic keratosis regress spontaneously, but most require treatment. Treatment prevents them from developing into skin cancer. Once treated, new actinic keratosis can develop in damaged skin, so ongoing surveillance is important.
What is the difference between melanoma and other skin cancers?
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, originating in melanocytes (pigment-producing cells). Unlike basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, melanoma can spread rapidly to other body areas and become life-threatening if not caught early. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and typically slowest-growing. Squamous cell carcinoma is second most common and grows faster than BCC but slower than melanoma. All three require early detection and treatment.
If I have one skin cancer, will I definitely get another?
Having one skin cancer increases your risk of developing additional skin cancers. Approximately 30-50% of patients with a history of skin cancer develop additional cancers within 5 years. However, this risk can be significantly reduced through rigorous sun protection, regular skin exams, and prompt treatment of pre-cancerous lesions like actinic keratosis. Working with a dermatologist like Dr. Snyder for ongoing surveillance helps catch new cancers at the earliest, most curable stage.
Is skin cancer treatment painful?
Most skin cancer treatments are well-tolerated with minimal discomfort. Topical and injectable anesthetics (numbing medications) are used to ensure you remain comfortable. GentleCure is painless. Cryosurgery causes a slight stinging sensation during freezing but is brief. Surgical removal is performed under local anesthesia so you feel no pain during the procedure. Dr. Snyder will discuss pain management options during your consultation.
How long does skin cancer treatment take and when can I resume normal activities?
Treatment time varies by type: topical medications are applied at home; cryosurgery takes 5-10 minutes; GentleCure takes 15-30 minutes; surgical removal takes 30-60 minutes. Recovery varies: topical treatments require no downtime; cryotherapy may cause temporary redness and peeling; GentleCure has zero downtime; surgical removal requires wound care and activity restriction for 1-2 weeks depending on location. Dr. Snyder will provide detailed pre- and post-treatment instructions.
Schedule your skin cancer screening in Owings Mills
If you have sun-damaged skin, concerning spots or lesions, actinic keratosis, or a personal history of skin cancer, don’t wait—schedule your evaluation with Dr. Steven Barry Snyder. Early detection and treatment of skin cancer is nearly 100% curative. Dr. Snyder is a board-certified dermatologist with decades of experience recognizing and treating pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths.
Call (410) 356-0000 to book your skin cancer screening today. We’ll evaluate your skin, answer all your questions, and create a personalized treatment and surveillance plan designed to protect your health.
Protect your skin from sun damage and skin cancer
Early detection of skin cancer saves lives and prevents disfigurement. Whether you need evaluation of a suspicious lesion, treatment of actinic keratosis, or a comprehensive skin cancer screening, Dr. Snyder is here to help.