Cumulative skin damage is caused by repeated exposure to the
ultraviolet light found in sunshine. Areas with high exposure such
as the scalp (bald individuals), forearms, face, and back of the
neck are common sites. Over the years, the genetic material of
cells becomes irreparably damaged and produces lesions like these
on the scalp. The lesions, called actinic keratosis, may later
become cancerous.
Review Date: 10/08/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center
for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
