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Actinic keratosis - Overview

Alternative Names

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

Definition of Actinic keratosis:

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous growth on the skin.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Actinic keratosis is caused by sun exposure. It occurs most commonly in fair skin, especially in the elderly and in young people who have light skin.

Actinic keratosis on the arm

Actinic keratosis - close-up

Actinic keratosis on the forearms

Actinic keratosis on the scalp

Actinic keratosis - ear

Reviewed last on: 10/11/2008
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.

References

de Berker D, McGregor JM, Hughes BR. Guidelines for the management of actinic keratoses. Br J Dermatol. 2007;156:222-230.

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