Keratoacanthomas are thought to be a type of squamous cell skin cancer. They typically have a crater-like appearance with a slightly elevated lesion and a thick crust. Keratoacanthomas often have a thick layer of scale. Typical to keratoacanthomas, this lesion is red and inflamed at the base. This image displays a cup-like shape with a thick "plug" of scaly skin typical of keratoacanthomas. This image displays a keratoacanthoma on an elbow. This image displays a close-up of a keratoacanthoma. This image displays a keratoacanthoma, a form of skin cancer, that needs a biopsy by a dermatologist and full removal. A keratoacanthoma appears on sun-damaged skin and typically has a red, firm base and central crust-like “plug.” This image displays a typical keratoacanthoma in front of the top of the ear. This image displays a lesion with a thick, scaly crust typical of keratoacanthoma. This image displays a keratoacanthoma on the lip. This image displays a keratoacanthoma.
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Keratoacanthoma:
Information for adults

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Picture of Keratoacanthoma: Keratoacanthomas are thought to be a type of squamous cell skin cancer. They typically have a crater-like appearance with a slightly elevated lesion and a thick crust. Divider line
Keratoacanthomas are thought to be a type of squamous cell skin cancer. They typically have a crater-like appearance with a slightly elevated lesion and a thick crust.
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Self-Care Guidelines
There are no effective self-care treatments for keratoacanthoma. Preventing sun damage is crucial to avoiding the development of keratoacanthoma:
  • Avoid ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from natural sunlight or from artificial tanning devices.
  • Wear broad-spectrum sunscreens (blocking both UVA and UVB) with SPF 30 or higher, reapplying frequently.
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts.
  • Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day (between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM).
When to Seek Medical Care
If you develop a new bump (lesion) on sun-exposed skin, or if you have a spot that bleeds easily or does not seem to be healing, then you should make an appointment with your primary care physician or with a dermatologist. You should also make an appointment if an existing spot changes size, shape, color, or texture, or if it starts to itch, bleed, or become sore to the touch.

Try to remember to tell your doctor when you first noticed the lesion and what symptoms, if any, it has. Also, young adults should ask adult family members whether or not they have ever had a skin cancer and relay this information to their physician.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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