Diseases/Conditions
Email Bookmark Feedback
In this factsheet:

Actinic Keratosis

Precancerous Skin Lesion ยท Solar Keratosis

The Facts

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a lesion that forms on sun-damaged skin. The lesions are small scaly patches on parts of the body, such as the face, ears, bald scalp, arms, and hands, that have been chronically exposed to the sun.

AK is a precancerous condition that affects only the top layer of skin (the epidermis). Ultraviolet (UV) from the sun damages the skin and if left untreated, actinic keratosis can turn into a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). When they are found early, AKs are highly treatable.

AK is more common in people with fair skin. Australia has the highest rate of AK in the world.

Causes

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is the major cause of AK. UV light causes changes in the genetic material of the skin's cells. Changes in certain genes can cause cells to grow abnormally and form lesions.

Long-term exposure to the sun increases a person's risk of AK. That's why AK is more common in older people who have accumulated sun damage to their skin. AK can occur in younger people, but it is more common for those over 60 years old. People who work outdoors are also at higher risk.

Another risk factor for AK is skin type. AK most often occurs in people with fair skin and is rare in people with darker skin. People who develop AK tend to have red or blonde hair, and skin that burns easily and does not tan.

Next Page
Author: MediResource Clinical Team
Reviewer: MediResource Clinical Team
Sources
Print
Rate this article:

We recommend the following articles

Hay fever

You may have heard the term "hay fever," but seasonal allergies, also known... >> More
Newsletter
 

Local Health News
Dr. Joette Giovinco's health reports
Dr. Joette Giovinco is the only reporter on Bay Area television with an M.D. after her name. Watch her recent stories here....
>>More
Dr. Jo: Diabetes trials
Not only is it life threatening, treating diabetes is a major headache for sufferers who have to prick themselves multiple time...
>>More
Pa. Court: Nurse Can Be Fired For Sex With Patient
A hospital had the right to fire a male nurse for having consensual sex with a patient two days after she underwent heart surge...
>>More
CDC: Average ER Waiting Time Nears 1 Hour
The average time that hospital emergency rooms patients wait to see a doctor has grown from about 38 minutes to almost an hour ...
>>More
Dr. Jo: Kids and fiber
Think fiber and you typically think of foods for us grownups. But packing fiber-filled meals for your kids could help turn the...
>>More

  Advertisement

The contents of this health site are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition.

Site Map | Additional Information | Editorial Policy | Contact Us | About Us


Health On the Net Foundation
Health On the
Net Foundation

© 1996 - 2008 MediResource Inc.