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Friday, September 5, 2008

Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis - close-up
Actinic keratosis - close-up
Actinic keratosis - ear
Actinic keratosis - ear
Actinic keratosis on the arm
Actinic keratosis on the arm
Actinic keratosis on the forearms
Actinic keratosis on the forearms
Actinic keratosis on the scalp
Actinic keratosis on the scalp
Definition

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth usually caused by sun exposure.


Alternative Names

Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar)


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Actinic keratosis occurs most commonly in fair skin, especially in the elderly and in young individuals with light complexions. The growths occur in sun-exposed skin areas. The growths begin as flat, scaly areas that later develop a hard wart-like surface.

They are classified as precancerous growths. If left untreated, approximately 1% of actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinoma.



Review Date: 10/17/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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