Which description best fits actinic keratosis?

• A. Light pink ill-defined macules with gritty texture
• B. Dark, smooth plaques
• C. Vesicular lesions
• D. Raised hyperkeratotic nodules

Answer: (A)

Actinic keratosis is a sun-damaged, premalignant lesion of the epidermis. It typically shows up on sun-exposed skin as light pink to reddish, ill-defined macules or slightly raised plaques that feel gritty or sandpaper-like when you touch them. That rough, textured surface is a hallmark and helps distinguish it from smoother plaques seen in other conditions. In contrast, dark, smooth plaques suggest other pigmented or benign lesions, vesicular lesions point to viral or inflammatory processes, and raised hyperkeratotic nodules fit other skin conditions like keratoacanthoma or squamous cell carcinoma rather than actinic keratosis. So the combination of light pink color, ill-defined borders, and a gritty, rough surface is the description that best fits actinic keratosis.