Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses are areas of sun-damaged skin found predominantly on sun-exposed parts of the body. We find them particularly on the backs of the hands and forearms, the face and ears, the scalp in balding men and the lower legs in women. They may also occur on the lips.

Excessive sun exposure over many years (from sunbathing, sunbed use, and outdoor work or recreational activities) can cause actinic keratoses. It is more common in older people. and fair-skinned, blue-eyed, red- or blonde-haired individuals, who burn easily in the sun but tan poorly.

Actinic keratoses often causes little trouble.

Actinic keratoses self-care

Protecting your skin from the sun will reduce the number of new actinic keratoses you get, and also reduce the risk of getting a sun-induced skin cancer.

Actinic keratoses treatment

Dermatology therapies of actinic keratoses include:

It is advisable to protect the skin from further sun damage.