This type of damage is purely cosmetic. Other types of sun damage are potentially more dangerous. Actinic keratoses are rough patches of skin that can range in color from flesh-tone to red. They are commonly found on prominent areas of the face and on the tops of the ears. Roughly 20 percent of them develop into skin cancer, so see your doctor if you find one.
Skin cancer accounts for half of all cancers.
About 75 percent of skin cancers are of this type. Squamous cell cancer can feel like a rough, hard bump or a flat, red patch on the skin. About 20 percent of skin cancers are of this type. Melanoma is uncommon, yet it is the most life-threatening. See your doctor if you find anything that concerns you.