What type of skin condition is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is identified as a precancerous lesion that arises due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily from the sun. This condition manifests as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, ears, scalp, and backs of the hands.

The reason it is classified as precancerous is that if left untreated, actinic keratosis has the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent this progression. Common treatment options include cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, highlighting the necessity of proper diagnosis and management.

In contrast, a benign condition would not have the same risk of evolving into cancer, while viral infections like warts (which can be caused by the human papillomavirus) and fungal infections (like ringworm) are entirely different etiologies and not related to UV exposure or skin changes leading to cancer.