RESUMO
BackgroundActinic keratosis (AK) is a skin condition associated with age, sun exposure,and immunosuppression. Certain drugs, such as photosensitizing medications and calciumchannel blockers (CCBs), have been linked to AK. This study explores the impact ofindividual, behavioral, and exposure factors on the severity of AKs on the face and scalp.MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on immunocompetentindividuals with at least one AK on their face or scalp and assessed demographic factors,sun exposure and protection, history of skin cancer, and medication use within the last6 months. The primary outcome was the Actinic Keratosis Area and Severity Index(AKASI) score, and a hierarchical generalized linear model was used to evaluate thevariation in AKASI scores, adjusting for gender, age, and skin phototype.ResultsTwo hundred seventy subjects between 39 and 92 years were evaluated. Themajority had phototype I or II (77%), male gender (51%), personal history of skin cancer(55%), and low adherence to sunscreen use (29%). The use of photosensitizingmedications was reported by 61%. Through multivariate analysis, older age (bSE=0.14;P<0.01), lighter skin phototype (bSE=0.15;P=0.01), history of skin cancer (bSE=0.12;P<0.01), sunburning (bSE=0.12;P<0.01), and use of CCBs (bSE=0.11;P=0.02)were identified as independent risk factors for AK severity. Photosensitizing drugs were notidentified as risk factors.ConclusionOlder age, lower skin phototype classifications, and a personal history of skincancer were confirmed as severity risk factors for AK, while the use of CCBs wasassociated with more severe AK