What skin condition is characterized by rough, flesh-colored, or pink hyperpigmented areas?

Actinic keratoses is a skin condition that typically presents as rough, scaly patches or lesions that are often flesh-colored, pink, or slightly hyperpigmented. These areas are a consequence of prolonged sun exposure and represent a precancerous change in the skin, indicating that the cells are structurally altered due to cumulative ultraviolet (UV) damage. Individuals with actinic keratoses may notice that the lesions become more pronounced or even develop into thicker, wart-like growths over time.

In contrast, basal cell carcinoma typically appears as a pearly or waxy bump, or may present as a flat, scaly lesion, often in sun-exposed areas, but does not usually resemble the rough patches of actinic keratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma may arise from actinic keratoses and tends to present as red, firm nodules or flat lesions that may sometimes ulcerate; it is also more aggressive in terms of growth compared to actinic keratosis. Melanoma, on the other hand, is characterized by irregularly shaped moles that can have varied colors and may change in appearance, presenting with asymmetry and irregular borders rather than the rough-textured, scaly lesions typical of actinic keratosis.