Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis – Overview

Actinic keratosis is a precancerous growth on the skin. It begins in the epidermis, the skin’s exposed layer. Normally, epidermal cells develop in a precise, controlled, and systematic fashion. Healthy new cells nudge older cells toward the skin’s surface to die and form a protective layer that continually regenerates and sheds.

UV-radiation damages and changes the skin’s texture and color, causing blotchiness or growths, including actinic keratoses and skin cancers. Although anybody can develop actinic keratoses, the risk is increased with a history of intense or life-long sun exposure, fair skin, or an impaired immune system.