Actinic keratoses are pre-cancerous, due to too much sun-exposure over years, which appear as small, scaly lesions that are rough to the touch. This image displays actinic keratosis of the legs. The surface of the ear is a typical location of actinic keratoses. This image displays a bald scalp with areas of sun damage and actinic keratoses. This image displays actinic keratoses that have developed very thick, crusty scale known as hypertrophic actinic keratoses. This image displays a frequent site for actinic keratoses, the rim of the ear. This image displays actinic keratoses hidden by facial hair. This image displays an actinic keratosis in the center as well as prominent blood vessels, which suggest chronic sun damage. This image displays a close-up of actinic keratoses. This image displays an actinic keratosis with brown spots suggesting chronic sun damage. This image displays a thin white scale typical of actinic keratosis. This image displays multiple actinic keratoses on the face. This image displays numerous areas of sun damage and actinic keratoses. This image displays a rather large, inflamed actinic keratosis. This image displays a very large, scaly actinic keratosis. This image displays two actinic keratoses and thinning and wrinkling of the skin, which suggests severe, chronic sun damage. The forearm is a very common area for sun damage and actinic keratoses. This image displays a large actinic keratosis with a yellowish crust. This image displays an actinic keratosis in an unusual location, the side of the finger.
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Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis)  Information for adults

Picture of Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis): Actinic keratoses are pre-cancerous, due to too much sun-exposure over years, which appear as small, scaly lesions that are rough to the touch. Divider line
Actinic keratoses are pre-cancerous, due to too much sun-exposure over years, which appear as small, scaly lesions that are rough to the touch.
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Who's At Risk
People with fair skin who sunburn easily; have trouble tanning; have blue, green, or hazel eyes; and red or blond hair are most at risk for developing actinic keratoses. Those who have had a lot of sun exposure in their youth are at a high risk as well. Those with a weak immune system due to chemotherapy, HIV, or an organ transplant are at higher risk.

Spots usually appear in those who are older (over 50), but they can start appearing in younger adults who have had a lot of sun exposure. Darker-skinned individuals are rarely affected.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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