| |
Actinic or "Solar" keratoses are mostly found on sites repeatedly exposed to the sun especially the backs of the hands and the face, most often affecting the nose, cheeks, upper lip, temples and forehead. In geographic areas of high-intensity sunlight, sun damage to unprotected skin begins in childhood and puts a child at high risk for actinic keratoses and skin cancer later in life. They vary in size from a fraction of an inch in diameter to larger than a half-dollar. Although the exact cause of seborrheic keratoses is not known, almost everybody will eventually develop at least a few of these growths.
Since they are not caused by sunlight, they can be found on sun-exposed or covered areas. Eventually, they thicken and develop a rough, warty surface. The keratosis usually falls off within a few weeks. No mark is usually left when it heals, although occasionally there may be a small spot that will usually fade over time.
|
|
|
