Actinic Keratosis

What is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a dry, scaly patch that appears on your skin after prolonged exposure to the sun.

Actinic keratosis can be a precursor to skin cancer. So if you have one or more of these patches on your skin, it’s recommended that you get it checked out by a clinician so that they can check that it’s nothing serious.

If you just have one patch then a clinician might recommend waiting to see if the patch goes away by itself. But if you have multiple patches, or if it’s causing you discomfort or pain, then you’ll probably be recommended treatment.

Who gets actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis usually occurs in people over the age of forty, but on rare occasions it can appear in people younger (if they live in places with high UV exposure all year round).

You’re more likely to develop actinic keratosis if you have fair skin, blonde or red hair and blue or light-coloured eyes.^[1] If you have or have had a job that requires you to work outside for long periods of time then this can make you more likely to develop actinic keratosis as well.

How common is actinic keratosis?

It’s a common condition, but it’s more frequently seen in some parts of the world than others. It’s most commonly seen in countries with a lot of direct sunlight, where there is a large number of fair-skinned people. So Australia, for instance, is estimated to have the highest incidence of actinic keratosis, with over 40% of people over 40 said to have it.^[1] This stands in some contrast to the northern hemisphere, where estimates are between 11% and 25% amongst people aged 40 and above.^[2]

What causes actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is caused by prolonged exposure to UV light. So it’s not necessarily just sunlight that can trigger it; it can also be caused by spending too much time on sunbeds as well.

It’s important to note as well that UV light can affect your skin even on cloudy or cold days, and not just on hot, sunny days. If you wear sunscreen, try to stay in the shade when the sun is at its highest in the sky. You should also pay attention to the ‘UV index’ (taking extra precautions when the number is high) to reduce your chances of developing actinic keratosis.

What are the symptoms of actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis appears as dry, scaly patches on your skin. They’re typically 1-2cm long, discoloured, and appear on parts of your body that are more commonly exposed to the sun, such as the back of your hands and lower arms, as well as your head, neck and face.

Can actinic keratosis lead to other problems?

It’s unlikely, but actinic keratosis can become skin cancer. So it’s always good to keep an eye on your skin, and if any new or different looking patches appear, you should make an appointment with your clinician for an examination.