Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Actinic Keratosis
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Actinic keratosis is a common premalignant skin lesion seen on areas of the body that have been exposed to sun. Premalignant means that the lesions have the potential to become skin cancer.
What is going on in the body?
Sun damage over many years causes changes in the skin. When the cells start to grow in an irregular and unusual fashion, actinic keratosis may develop. The lesions are not true deep or invasive skin cancers, but the area of skin is no longer normal.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Actinic keratosis is caused by long-term exposure to the sun. The number of lesions increases with age. A person with light skin has a higher risk of developing actinic keratosis. Someone who works outdoors, such as a lifeguard or construction worker, is at greater risk. Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, increase a person's risk.
People with altered immune systems are also at increased risk for actinic keratosis. This group includes: