Which of the following is a potential indicator of actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition caused by prolonged sun exposure, leading to rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin. The correct choice reflects a common manifestation of this condition, where the affected areas can become crusty and may bleed. This bleeding occurs due to the irritation and potential erosion of the skin surface, indicating the precancerous nature of actinic keratosis.

The presence of crusty areas suggests that the skin is undergoing changes associated with actinic keratosis, which typically presents as rough or scaly lesions, possibly with an unwanted texture. This aligns well with the characteristics of actinic keratosis, reinforcing the idea that these crusty patches can indicate advanced skin changes due to sun damage.

In contrast, the other options do not align with typical indicators of actinic keratosis. Red bumps that heal quickly suggest a different condition, possibly an inflammatory response or an unrelated skin issue. White patches that are painless might indicate other skin conditions, such as vitiligo or fungal infections, rather than actinic keratosis. Lastly, smooth patches of skin would not typically present as part of actinic keratosis, as these lesions are characterized by their rough or scaly surface. Overall