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Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)

Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches of skin caused by long-term sun exposure. They are considered pre-cancerous and may develop into skin cancer if untreated.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

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Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses) are dry, scaly patches of skin that have been damaged by the sun. It's not usually serious, but there's a small chance the patches could become skin cancer. Protecting your skin in the sun and watching out for changes can help.

Symptoms of actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses patches:

  • can feel dry, rough and scaly, or like sandpaper
  • are usually between 1cm and 2cm in size
  • can be the same colour as your skin, or range from pink to red to brown
  • may be itchy

The patches usually appear on areas of your body that are often exposed to the sun, such as your face, hands and arms, ears, scalp and legs.

 See a GP if: 

  • you notice new patches on your skin
  • the patches begin to bleed, get bigger, change colour, feel tender or develop into a lump
  • a patch appears on your lips

It's important to get these skin changes checked in case they're being caused by something more serious, such as skin cancer.

Treatment for actinic keratoses

If you only have 1 actinic keratoses patch, a GP might suggest waiting to see if it goes away by itself.

If you have more than 1 patch, or a patch is causing you problems such as pain and itchiness, treatment is usually recommended.

A GP may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

Treatments for actinic keratoses include:

  • prescription creams and gels
  • freezing the patches (cryotherapy) – this makes the patches turn into blisters and fall off after a few weeks
  • surgery to cut out or scrape away the patches – you'll be given a local anaesthetic first, so it does not hurt
  • photodynamic therapy (PDT), where special cream is applied to the patches and a light is shone on them

Things you can do if you have actinic keratoses

There are things you can do to stop your actinic keratoses patches getting worse and lower your chances of developing skin cancer.

 Do 

  • check your skin regularly for any changes
  • use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 before going out in the sun and reapply regularly
  • wear a hat and clothing that fully covers your arms and legs when you're out in the sun

 Don’t 

  • do not sunbathe
  • do not use sunlamps or sunbeds as these can also damage your skin
  • do not go into the sun between 11am and 3pm – this is when the sun is at its strongest

Consider taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day if you always cover up outdoors. This is because you may not get enough vitamin D from sunlight.

Consult with a doctor about Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)

Consult with a doctor about Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Online doctors for Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses) with a doctor online.

5.0 (3)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques.

For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance.

Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults.

In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions.

Patients commonly seek his care for:

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns
Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
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