Actinic keratosis is characterized by appearance of scaly and crusty lesions on the skin. These lesions are mainly pink in color but can also come in shades of brown. The lesions are mostly precancerous meaning that they can eventually lead to skin cancer. Actinic keratosis is an acquired skin disorder caused by over exposure to the sun over a long period of time. Excessive tanning can also lead to the condition. It is therefore advisable to avoid tanning booths and exposure to the sun as it is a preventive measure from this kind of skin condition
Actinic keratosis is known to attack some specific body parts. It is most common on the lips, face, legs, chest, scalp ears and the neck.
Actinic keratosis on the lips is scientifically referred to as actinic cheilitis. This type of condition is characterized by inflamed lips that are scaling. The lips eventually dry and crack. This is more common in the lower lip than the upper lip. This also causes blurring of the skin at the border of the lower lip and adjacent skin.
Actinic keratosis can also affect the face. In this case, lesions are likely to appear on the bridge of the nose, on the cheeks and the ears. Men with this kind of condition tend to have lesions on their ears. This is not common in women as most women have long hair that protects their ears from the rays of the sun. For men, few have long hair and that is why most will have lesions caused by actinic keratosis on the top of their ears.
This type of keratosis affects both men and women. It is important to note that this type causes thickened skin if the lesions appear on areas like the scalp or back of the hand.
Finally, as you have read, it is possible for actinic keratosis to affect any body part as long as it has been very exposed to the sun over the years. Use sunscreen at all times and avoid going out in the sun when the sun is at its peak. This is mostly between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm. You should also avoid over tanning your skin. You not only increase the chances for wrinkles, but also for this type of keratosis.
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