Which population is generally at increased risk for developing actinic keratosis?

The population at increased risk for developing actinic keratosis is typically elderly individuals. Actinic keratosis arises from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, often over many years, which is more common in older adults who have spent significant time in the sun without adequate protection.

As people age, their skin undergoes various changes, becoming thinner and less able to repair itself, which contributes to the risk of skin lesions like actinic keratosis. The condition is often seen in fair-skinned individuals with a history of significant sun exposure, making the elderly a particularly vulnerable group due to accumulated sun damage over their lifetimes. Their skin's decreased resilience and repair mechanisms, combined with age-related factors, enhance the likelihood of developing these precursor lesions to skin cancer.