L57: Skin changes due to chronic exposure to nonionizing radiation

L57.1: Actinic reticuloid

These conditions cause areas of the skin to change over a long period of time. It can affect small areas of the skin or larger areas, such as parts of the face. The changed areas of the skin may be thickened or nodular. The surface of the changed areas of the skin may look coarser than usual. Deep furrows may appear. The changed areas of the skin may be itchy and become larger. They may also be red and scaly.

The skin lesions are mainly found in areas that have been exposed to sunlight over many years. This includes the skin on the face, for example.

The exact cause of this condition is not yet known for sure. However, what is known is that there are permanently cells of the body’s defense system in the affected areas of the skin.