Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Actinic keratosis is primarily associated with chronic sun exposure. This skin condition arises due to damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily from long-term exposure to sunlight. The continuous exposure leads to changes in the skin cells, resulting in the formation of rough, scaly patches that can vary in color.

Individuals who spend significant time outdoors without proper sun protection are at a higher risk. Although other factors like genetic predispositions or certain skin types can influence the likelihood of developing actinic keratosis, the most direct and significant cause remains chronic UV exposure. This understanding helps in preventive care strategies, emphasizing the importance of sun protection measures to reduce the risk of both actinic keratosis and skin cancer.

The other options, while they can influence skin health, do not specifically correlate with the formation of actinic keratosis in the same manner as UV exposure.