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Actinic keratosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Definition:

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous skin growth usually caused by sun exposure.

Alternative Names:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Actinic keratosis occurs most commonly in fair skin, especially in the elderly and in young individuals with light complexions. The growths occur in sun-exposed skin areas. The growths begin as flat, scaly areas that later develop a hard wart-like surface.

They are classified as precancerous growths. If left untreated, approximately 1% of actinic keratoses develop into squamous cell carcinoma .

• Review Date: 10/17/2006
• Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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