{"id":3355,"date":"2019-01-29T05:46:28","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T05:46:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3355"},"modified":"2021-03-25T15:06:38","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T15:06:38","slug":"15-causes-of-actinic-keratosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-causes-of-actinic-keratosis\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Causes of Actinic Keratosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Actinic keratosis describes a skin disorder where a scaly patch appears. The skin becomes rough to the touch and usually affects the ears, lips, face, neck, forearms, and the back of the hands.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patch grows in size over time, with most people failing to notice the early onset of the condition. Actinic keratosis can take years to develop, with signs of the skin disorder first manifesting in individuals over 40-years of age.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actinic keratosis lesions grow to a size of around an inch in diameter and sometimes have a wart-like appearance. In most cases, they are pink, red, or brown in color, and have a crusty, \u201cpasted-on\u201d visual characteristic. Some individuals may find the lesion becomes itchy, especially after exposure to strong sunlight.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many different reasons why someone would develop this condition, environmental and genetic factors play a significant role in the development of this skin disorder. Here are eight causes of actinic keratosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. UV Exposure from Sunlight
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Over-exposure to the sun\u2019s ultraviolet rays is the first and most obvious cause of actinic keratosis. Sunlight is necessary for human survival. Our skin produces Vitamin D <\/a>from exposure to the sun, a vital micronutrient that assists the body with the regulation of calcium, a critical nutrient for optimal development of the skeletal system.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when we receive too much UV exposure, or skin starts to burn. A sunburn disrupts the normal function of skin cells, producing severe inflammation. Strong UV exposure also damages the genetic material in skin cells. Persistent UV exposure and frequent sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer, such as melanoma.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that actinic keratosis is not skin cancer. The condition may be irritating and unsightly, but it\u2019s not life-threatening. Actinic keratosis is also known as \u201csolar keratosis,\u201d and doctors may have to remove the growth using cryo-surgery, electro-surgery, or merely cutting it out of the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. UV Exposure from Tanning Beds
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UV tanning beds are a popular option for individuals looking to keep their year-round tan. Fitness athletes, bodybuilders, and models all rely on their bodies to make their living. Part of an attractive package is a toned, olive skin that promotes wellness and good health. As a result of the need to satisfy show judges, magazine editors, and managers, these individuals resort to tanning beds to keep their skin looking bronzed and healthy.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, tanning beds are the second leading cause of the development of actinic keratosis. Tan-cans and tanning beds work by emitting UV light<\/a> that mimics the sun\u2019s rays. As a result, people who use tanning beds ruin the same risk of developing actinic keratosis, as those individuals spending time in the sun.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people think that they\u2019re safe from sunburn because they\u2019re using a machine, instead of the sun to tan their skin. However, tanning beds are capable of issuing you with a sunburn if you spend too much time under the lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Environmental Factors
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The region in which you live is another primary cause of the development of actinic keratosis. Individuals residing in high-altitude areas with strong UV exposure are most at risk, along with people that live near the coastline. Living by the beach is a rewarding life experience that most people fantasize about as they head toward their retirement years.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spending your senior years in a sunny beach town may seem like a great idea, but it exposes you to a higher risk of developing skin conditions such as actinic keratosis<\/a>, as well as skin cancer.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People that live by the beach tend to spend a lot more time in the sun than those who live inland. It\u2019s common to see men walking around with their shirts off, and women sunbathing on the beach in a string bikini. Unfortunately, this behavior increases your risk of sunburn and the development of actinic keratosis lesions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Age
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that the majority of actinic keratosis cases occur in people older than 40-years of age<\/a>. Men are also at higher risk of developing the condition than women. As we age, our body\u2019s protein synthesis begins to slow down, producing signs of aging.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This aging process reduces cell-turnover in the body, which means that your skin cells stay around for longer than they usually would in a healthy young person. As a result, your skin may take longer to recover from sunburns, and its more susceptible to developing skin disorders, such as actinic keratosis.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we age, it\u2019s more important to take care of our skin, as it\u2019s the largest organ in the body. Regular application of sunscreen is essential if you\u2019re going to be spending time outdoors. We recommend you look for a sunblock with an SPF factor of 50 for your face and a minimum of 30 for the rest of your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Skin Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re blond, have blue eyes, and fair skin, you\u2019re in the high-risk group for developing actinic keratosis. The condition affects people with fair skin more than any other racial demographic. Individuals with pale skin and freckles also run a high risk of developing actinic keratosis lesions.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in this demographic, it\u2019s critical that you take every precaution you can to prevent your skin from burning in the sun. Remember to cover up your face with a protective, zinc-based sunscreen and keep the rest of your body protected by frequently applying sunblock throughout the day.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wear clothes that cover your skin if you\u2019re out in the direct sunlight. Chose a light and airy fabric that lets your skin breathe and feels comfortable. The lips are another body part prone to sunburn <\/a>and the development of actinic keratosis lesions. Purchase a lip balm with a minimum SPF 50 protection, and apply it regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Weak Immune System
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The immune system plays a significant role in the health of our skin. The skin is the largest organ and has constant exposure to environmental elements and toxins<\/a>. People who spend all day outdoors in the sun typically experience good levels of health, due to the amount of Vitamin D produced by the skin after exposure to UV rays.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals with an autoimmune disorder affecting the skin, experience a higher risk of developing actinic keratosis. People suffering from porphyria, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE,) and vitiligo are most at risk due to their skin’s inability to fight off infection and disease.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with autoimmune disorders affecting the health of their skin should avoid strong sunlight periods of the day between 10 am and 3 pm. During this time, it\u2019s easy to receive a sunburn from mundane activities, such as driving, where the driver\u2019s side arm may risk exposure to the sun and sunburn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Family and Personal Medical History
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Genetics <\/a>plays a significant role in the risk profile of people affected by actinic keratosis. Studies show that individuals with a family history of skin disorders are the highest risk group for developing the skin condition.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check with your parents and grandparents, and ask them if they have any history with actinic keratosis lesions and how they affected their skin. If you have relatives with the condition, there is a good chance that you\u2019ll be susceptible to developing actinic keratosis as well. Your personal medical history matters tremendously in the development of actinic keratosis. Arrange a consultation with your family physician or dermatologist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A medical professional will examine your skin and create a \u201cmap\u201d noting all of your current affected areas for signs of skin cancer, actinic keratosis, and other skin disorders. Depending on your results, you may need to visit the doctor for evaluation every six months to a year after that to ensure your skin is in good health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Exposure to Industrial Chemicals and X-Ray Machines
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the sun and tanning beds are the most common causes of the development of actinic keratosis, they aren\u2019t the only factors at play. Individuals working around hazardous chemicals are also at risk of developing the skin disorder.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain chemical compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, (PAH,) such as coal or tar, are also a concern for people predisposed to developing actinic keratosis. Similarly, patients undergoing X-Ray examination on a frequent basis for cancer <\/a>treatment may also be at higher risk of developing the condition.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you work in a hazardous environment, you may be entitled to workman\u2019s compensation if you develop the skin disorder, speak to your attorney about filing a suit with your employer for the recovery of medical costs.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those individuals undergoing regular X-rays to monitor the spread of tumors or the advancement of disease in their body should speak to their doctor about concerns for developing actinic keratosis due to X-Ray exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>