Introduction to Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are skin lesions that can occur on the face, scalp, arms,
or back of hands as a result of sun exposure. These lesions may appear as patches
of rough, dry, or scaly skin and can be tan, red, or flesh colored.
The term actinic means that development of the lesions results from exposure
to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the primary source of which is sunlight. Keratosis
is a general term for skin lesions characterized by overgrowth and thickening of
the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin.
There is a strong correlation between sun exposure and the occurrence of AKs. Also,
the lesions can develop as a result of UV light exposure from artificial sources,
such as tanning booths. Medical radiation exposure or exposure through occupational
means may also cause AKs.
Over time, UV radiation can damage skin cells. These damaged cells can become AKs
that may eventually develop into a certain type of skin cancer called squamous cell
carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma can metastasize, or spread, to deeper
tissues. This is why it's so important to
treat AKs.
Identifying actinic keratosis
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