Actinic keratoses are considered to be the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer. They are common lesions of the outermost layer of the skin, and are generally caused by too much exposure to sunlight. Actinic keratoses are most likely to come about after the age of 40, but in some places like California or Florida they can appear even sooner.

People with fair skin and long-term sun exposure are more prone to getting actinic keratoses. Too much sun exposure can cause skin cells to change size, shape, and they way they are located about the skin. Keratinocytes are the skin cells that are affected in actinic keratoses. 90 percent of the epidermis are made up of keratinocytes and give the skin its texture. You can see the changes in keratinocytes when the skin becomes rough or scaly. You will find most actinic keratoses on overly exposed sun-tanned skin, mostly on fair skinned people. They are mostly found on the sides of the forehead, on the ears, on bald men’s scalps, and on the back of the hand. These actinic keratoses are most often sensitive or touchy. It has been said that wrinkling, furrowing, and other signs of sun damage may be seen with AK lesions.