Actinic keratosis

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Although anyone can develop actinic keratoses, you may be more likely to develop the condition if you:

  • Are male
  • Are over age 40
  • Live in a sunny climate
  • Have a history of frequent or intense sun exposure or sunburn
  • Have pale skin, red or blond hair, and blue or light-colored eyes
  • Tend to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
  • Have a personal history of an actinic keratosis or skin cancer
  • Have a weak immune system as a result of chemotherapy, chronic leukemia, AIDS or organ transplant medications
References
  1. Jorizzo J, et al. Actinic keratosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 22, 2008.
  2. Actinic keratoses. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_actinic.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
  3. McIntyre WJ, et al. Treatment options for actinic keratoses. American Family Physician. 2007;76:667.
  4. Habif TP. Premalignant and malignant nonmelanoma skin tumors. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/109438622-3/768950956/1195/158.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50023-6--cesec43_2631. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
  5. Duncan KO, et al. Epithelial precancerous lesions. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2981344. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.
  6. Sunscreens/sunblocks. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/sun_sunscreens.html. Accessed Nov. 6, 2008.

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Jan. 6, 2009

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