Actinic keratoses are dry, scaly patches that appear on your skin because of sun damage.
Although they might not give you any symptoms, there’s a small chance they can lead to other problems. Order actinic keratosis treatment online and get expert advice from our clinicians.
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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. 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. This stands in some contrast to the northern hemisphere, where estimates are between 11% and 25% amongst people aged 40 and above.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Actinic Keratosis
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.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Actinic Keratosis
What medications are there for actinic keratosis?
In order to treat actinic keratosis, you’ll usually be prescribed a cream or gel which you’ll apply to the patch (or patches) to remove them. This is often the best option if you have several keratoses, or if many of them are difficult to see.
On some occasions, though, a clinician might recommend a clinical procedure which you won’t be able to perform yourself at home. This can include cryotherapy, where the keratoses are frozen and fall off after a few weeks, surgery to cut off the affected patches of skin under anaesthetic, or photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a procedure that involves putting a light sensitive cream on the affected skin before pointing a special light at the keratoses, which will kill the abnormal skin cells.
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for actinic keratosis?
The best treatment for actinic keratosis really depends on the nature of your condition, symptoms, and the advice of your clinician. If you just have one patch of affected skin then your clinician might just recommend keeping an eye on it to see if it goes away on its own. If you have a number of visible patches, a procedure to remove them may be recommended. Or if there are a number of patches that are difficult to see, then you’ll likely be given a cream or gel that you’ll have to apply to these patches at home over a number of weeks.
Does actinic keratosis always need treatment?
If you’ve noticed a patch of actinic keratosis for the first time then you should definitely seek the advice of a clinician. But if it’s just the one patch, and it’s not causing you any pain or discomfort, then it may go away on its own without treatment. You’ll be advised to avoid the sun where possible, wear sunscreen, cover your skin and avoid tanning beds in order to prevent any further sun damage.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Actinic Keratosis
FAQ: Actinic Keratosis
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Does actinic keratosis treatment always work?
Answer:
Actinic keratosis treatments are usually quite effective. If you follow the advice of your clinician correctly, the at-home gels and creams should remove your keratoses. But if they don’t, then there are surgical or clinical procedures that could be more likely to work.
Actinic keratosis can often come back, though. So even after treatment has been completed you’ll be advised to continue to avoid further sun damage where possible and regularly check your skin for any new patches of keratosis or abnormalities. A clinician may also recommend that you attend annual check-ups to examine your skin for signs of cancer.
Can you get side effects from actinic keratosis treatment?
Answer:
Most treatments come with their own risk of side effects. The topical creams or gels that you use at home can sometimes cause redness and burning sensations on your skin, and many of the clinical procedures can cause some scarring and discoloration on the affected areas of skin.
Are there tests for actinic keratosis?
Answer:
It’s unlikely that you’ll need tests (due to actinic keratosis being quite easy to diagnose), but your clinician might recommend a biopsy if they’re not sure. This involves taking a small sample of your skin after numbing it to analyse in a lab.
How is actinic keratosis diagnosed?
Answer:
Actinic keratosis is quite easily diagnosed. Usually your clinician will just look at your skin in order to make sure that there are no unusual or potentially cancerous patches of it.
Why should I buy actinic keratosis treatment online with Treated?
Answer:
If you haven’t had actinic keratosis diagnosed by a doctor, you should see your usual doctor or dermatologist before requesting any treatment online. If you’ve previously been diagnosed with actinic keratosis then we can help you choose the best treatment for you. We’ll send it to you promptly and discreetly, as well as keep in touch to make sure that your treatment’s going as it’s supposed to.
If your treatment isn’t working as you’d hoped, you’re struggling with some side effects, or if you have any questions in general, then our expert team will be on hand to help. You just need to sign in to your account and send them a message.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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