Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

Which skin condition is notably caused by sun exposure and presents with silvery scales?

1. Seborrheic keratosis

2. Actinic keratosis

3. Psoriasis

4. Contact dermatitis

The correct answer is: Actinic keratosis

The condition characterized by silvery scales and notably linked to sun exposure is psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that accelerates the growth cycle of skin cells, leading to a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin, which manifests as thick, red patches covered with silvery-white scales. While actinic keratosis is indeed caused by sun exposure and presents as rough, scaly patches on sun-damaged skin, it typically does not have the classic silvery scale appearance associated with psoriasis. The other options present different characteristics. Seborrheic keratosis is a benign skin growth that does not result from sun exposure in the same way and has a different appearance, often described as wart-like. Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction caused by exposure to irritants or allergens, not directly linked to sun exposure in the way that psoriasis is. Thus, psoriasis aligns best with the criteria of being associated with sun exposure and presenting with silvery scales.