Actinic keratoses (AKs) develop over a long period time and occur on the skin’s surface when it has been damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Those most likely to develop AKs have one or more of these risk factors:

• Chronic (long-term) exposure to sunlight
• History of intense (spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer or live in an area that receives plenty of sun year round) exposure to the sun
• History of frequent exposure to the sun
• Pale white to white skin
• Blond or red hair, especially when coupled with blue, hazel or green eyes
• Tendency to freckle or burn when exposed to sunlight
• Immunosuppression (weak immune system) as a result of chemotherapy, AIDs or an organ transplant
• Xeroderma pigmentosum – a very rare condition characterized by an abnormality in the cells ability to repair DNA damage.

The likelihood of developing AKs increases with age, and lesions usually appear after age 40. However, people who live in geographic areas with year-round high-intensity sunlight, such as Florida or southern California, may develop AKs earlier.

If you notice one or more of these rough, scaly patches, crusts or sores on your skin that can measure anywhere from one-quarter to one inch in diameter, be sure to see a dermatologist. Left untreated, AKs have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma, the second leading cause of skin cancer deaths in the United States.