Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Actinic keratosis is a small, rough, raised area found on skin that has been exposed to the sun over a long period of time.
Over many years, some actinic keratoses may develop into a type of
Alternative Names
Solar keratosis; Sun-induced skin changes - keratosis; Keratosis - actinic (solar)
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Actinic keratosis is caused by sun exposure, but it takes many years or decades to develop.
Risk factors for actinic keratosis include:
- Having fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond or red hair
- History of kidney or other solid organ transplant (people who take medicines that suppress the immune system)
- Long-term, daily sun exposure (for example, if you work outdoors)
- Multiple, severe sunburns early in life
- Older age
Images
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)
