Risk Factors
The most important risk factors in the general population are a combination of skin
type and cumulative sun exposure:
- Fair skin that burns easily after exposure to sunlight and does not tan well
- Exposure to UV radiation from the sun and/or other sources such as tanning booths,
medical, or occupational means
- Immunosuppression
- Advancing age
- Gender: AKs occur more frequently in males
Skin Type
Light-skinned people with red, blond, or light-brown hair, and blue or light colored
eyes are the most likely to develop AKs. Such individuals typically burn following
midday summer sun exposure and tan minimally, if at all. Darker-skinned people who
burn minimally and tan well are somewhat less susceptible.
Occupation and Recreation
AKs are especially common in people whose occupations or recreational interests
result in repeated exposure to high-intensity sunlight. Examples are farmers, construction
workers, commercial fishermen, park rangers, lifeguards, sailors, frequent sunbathers,
and golfers. Similarly, those living at latitudes closer to the equator and at higher
altitudes are exposed to more lifetime solar radiation and display more AKs.
Immunosuppression
People whose immune systems are compromised due to disease or medication are at
an increased risk of developing AKs.
Age
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an estimated 60% of predisposed
persons older than 40 years of age have at least one lesion. The prevalence of AKs
increases with advancing age, reflecting the impact of years of excessive sun exposure.
However, younger people are also at risk, with AKs occuring more and more frequently
in those in their 20s and 30s.
Treating actinic keratosis
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