Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

Which skin condition can lead to the development of actinic keratosis?

1. Oily skin

2. Sun exposure

3. Genetic factors

4. Hormonal changes

The correct answer is: Sun exposure

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by the presence of rough, scaly patches that often develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin. The primary factor contributing to the formation of actinic keratosis is prolonged or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. When skin cells are damaged by UV rays, they can begin to grow abnormally, leading to these precancerous lesions. While there are other factors that can influence skin health, such as oily skin, genetic predispositions, and hormonal changes, it is the sun exposure that is directly linked to the risk of developing actinic keratosis. This condition is considered a warning sign, indicating that the skin has been subjected to enough UV radiation that it may eventually evolve into more serious forms of skin cancer, like squamous cell carcinoma, if not addressed. Therefore, understanding the role of sun exposure is critical in both prevention and early detection of potential skin cancers.