Chronic Actinic Dermatitis

During the process of aging, the skin becomes dry, thin, and inelastic due to atrophy of its appendages and elastic fibers (senile skin). In addition, pigmentary changes take place which are usually of the freckle type, but may in some persons lead to vitiligo, telangiectases, keratoses, and warty growths, which occur especially in seborrheic subjects, and have a tendency to become epitheliomatous. The skin in the back of the neck becomes thickened and tough so that the normal skin markings are exaggerated, which together with tanning produces a condition known as cutis rhomboidalis nuchae, or peasant's neck. Such alterations of the skin may appear prematurely during the third or fourth decades. Persons habitually exposed to sunlight are predisposed to such changes, which are sometimes called chronic actinic dermatitis. Light increases the maturity of the skin.

       The terms "sailor's skin" and "farmer's skin" are used for similar alterations which are manifested early and severely in these respective occupations due to exposure to the elements, especially sunlight. In this country, fishermen and gardeners exhibit similar proclivities. Tropical skin is in the same category. Excessive exposure to sunlight by vacationists can slowly lead to any of the above sequelae.