1. Actinic Keratosis By Nichole, Heather, and Kalee

2. Portion of Skin it Affects  It affects sun-damaged skin especially the face, cheeks, bridge of the nose, scalp, back of neck, upper chest, tops of the hands and forearms, lips.  It affects the outer layer of the epidermis

3. Implications  When cells are damaged by the sun, they cause changes in the skin texture and color, causing blotchiness, and bumps or lesions.  If left untreated, it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma.

4. Symptoms/Signs  Irritated skin  Itching or burning  Rough, dry, scaly patch of skin  Flat to slightly raised patch or bump on the top layer of skin  Hard, wart-like patch  Color ranging from pink to red to brown or even flesh colored

5. Who is affected?  Old people (50 years or older) but can occur in younger people.  Live in a sunny climate  People who work outside more  Have exposure to lots of sunlight  Fair skinned or blue eyed people  Have a weak immune system

6. Prevention  Wear sunscreen when outside  Stay away from tanning booths  The less sun exposure, the better.

7. Treatments  Dermatologists usually… -destroy the lesions - topical treatments -a new study is being done with cytotoxic and immunenhancing topicals and natural substances.