L57: Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation
L57.0: Actinic keratosis
The first sign of this skin condition is small rough patches appearing on the skin. The changed areas can be skin-colored to red-brown. After a few months or years the changed patches can become larger and also spread. They can also become higher than the skin around it. The surface of the changed patches can become whitish and feel hard. Scraping or scratching the changed patches makes the skin underneath bleed.
The cause of this disorder is damage to the cells in the skin. This can happen if the skin has been damaged by sunlight over many years. Areas of the skin such as the face or backs of the hands that have got a lot of sunlight are therefore particularly affected.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.