Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a rough or scaly patch caused by long-term damage from ultraviolet light. It is not melanoma, but some patches can develop into squamous cell skin cancer. Assessment, sun protection and appropriate follow-up are therefore important.

• A patch often feels rough before it becomes clearly visible and usually occurs on skin exposed to a lot of sun.
• There may be one or a few patches, or a larger area of sun-damaged skin with many barely visible changes.
• A doctor can usually diagnose it by looking and feeling. A skin biopsy may be needed if there is uncertainty or a suspicious change.
• Not every patch needs the same treatment. The choice depends on the number, location, thickness, symptoms, surrounding skin and personal risks.
• Treatments include freezing, a cream or gel for a wider area of skin, photodynamic therapy, scraping or cutting away the patch.
• Redness, crusting and temporary irritation are an expected part of the reaction to many treatments.
• A patch that grows quickly, thickens, hurts, bleeds or does not heal needs earlier assessment.
• New patches may still develop because the surrounding skin already has UV damage. Lifelong self-checks and sun protection remain worthwhile.