Association between calcium channel blockers and the severity of actinic keratosis on face and scalp: a cross‐sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundActinic keratosis (AK) is a skin condition associated with age, sun exposure, and immunosuppression. Certain drugs, such as photosensitizing medications and calcium channel blockers (CCBs), have been linked to AK. This study explores the impact of individual, behavioral, and exposure factors on the severity of AKs on the face and scalp.MethodsA multicenter cross‐sectional study was conducted on immunocompetent individuals 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 last 6 months. The primary outcome was the Actinic Keratosis Area and Severity Index (AKASI) score, and a hierarchical generalized linear model was used to evaluate the variation in AKASI scores, adjusting for gender, age, and skin phototype.ResultsTwo hundred seventy subjects between 39 and 92 years were evaluated. The majority 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 photosensitizing medications was reported by 61%. Through multivariate analysis, older age (βSE = 0.14; P < 0.01), lighter skin phototype (βSE = 0.15; P = 0.01), history of skin cancer (βSE = 0.12; P < 0.01), sunburning (βSE = 0.12; P < 0.01), and use of CCBs (βSE = 0.11; P = 0.02) were identified as independent risk factors for AK severity. Photosensitizing drugs were not identified as risk factors.ConclusionOlder age, lower skin phototype classifications, and a personal history of skin cancer were confirmed as severity risk factors for AK, while the use of CCBs was associated with more severe AK.