Actinic keratosis

Classification

The following variants of actinic keratosis are distinguished (on the basis of pathomorphological examination):

• hypertrophic;
• atrophic;
• bowenoid

Etiology and pathogenesis of actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis appears as a result of long-term cumulative effect of UV rays on areas of the skin exposed to insolation. In most cases, lesions are located on the face and back of the hands, less often in the lower third of the forearm.

Clinical signs and symptoms

Elements of actinic keratosis are sharply delineated, dry, erythematous, slightly infiltrated spots of small sizes, covered with densely adjacent yellowish-brown scales, after removal of which point bleedings appear. Adjacent skin areas under the influence of prolonged exposure to sunlight are often atrophic with telangiectasias and dyspigmentation. The diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical manifestations and biopsy results.