Solar/Actinic Keratosis (Sunspots)
Solar Keratosis (Sunspots)
Sunspots (a.k.a. Solar or actinic keratosis) is a skin condition characterised by rough scaly patches of skin. They occur from too much sun exposure, especially for people with fair skin, and can appear anywhere on the body. Typically, you will feel sunspots before they appear.
Sunspots are often considered a warning sign of potential skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. It is important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
Solar Keratosis Images
When should I have a check for solar/actinic keratosis?
If you notice any changes in your skin, such as new or changing sunspots, it is recommended to see a Skin Cancer Specialist for evaluation and possible treatment.
Regular check-ups with a Skin Cancer Specialist can help monitor any suspicious spots and ensure early intervention if necessary. Remember, prevention and early detection are key in maintaining healthy skin and overall well-being.
Are there any health complications if solar keratosis is left untreated?
If left untreated, solar keratosis can potentially progress into a more serious form of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can be aggressive and may require more extensive treatment. It is important to address any changes in your skin promptly to prevent any complications.
How is solar Keratosis/actinic keratosis treated?
A wide range of options are available for actinic keratosis/solar keratosis treatment.
Cryotherapy
This treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the area. This causes blisters or peeling. These effects help the skin heal by removing damaged cells. This treatment is at its most effective for areas where there are limited sunspots.
Topical treatments
These treatments consist of different cream or gel that are applied directly to the skin. Unlike cryotherapy, these solutions can treat areas of skin where the sunspots are not yet visible.However, they require usage for 3-6 weeks to yield effective outcomes.
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy is the most innovative and efficient therapy for actinic keratosis. A single session could yield significant outcomes.
This treatment uses a light-sensitive substance on the skin, activated by a special light. This process helps to destroy the damaged cells in the affected area. Doctors often use photodynamic therapy for multiple or widespread actinic keratosis lesions on the face or body.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a popular choice for those looking for quick and effective results. A laser skin specialist usually performs the procedure in their office, and it can be completed in a single session. The laser targets the damaged skin cells, causing them to be removed and replaced with new, healthy skin.
At QC Skin Cancer & Laser Clinic, our specialists utilise non-ablative resurfacing lasers to deliver excellent outcomes with minimal recovery time.
Curettage & Cautery
When the lesion is thicker, you may need to undergo curettage. In this procedure, the doctor uses a device called a curette to scrape the damaged cells from your skin. Skin Cancer Specialists can use electrosurgery with a pen-like tool to remove and eradicate the damaged tissue.
This therapy is appropriate for individual, distinct thick actinic keratosis.
Surgery
Recommended for solar keratosis removal resistant to other treatments.
Where can I learn more about solar/actinic keratosis treatment?
Contact us to schedule an appointment or request a consultation with one of our expert specialists. Our doctors specialise in skin cancer medicine & surgery.
Solar Keratosis (Sunspots)
Sunspots (a.k.a. Solar or actinic keratosis) is a skin condition characterised by rough scaly patches of skin. They occur from too much sun exposure, especially for people with fair skin, and can appear anywhere on the body. Typically, you will feel sunspots before they appear.
Sunspots are often considered a warning sign of potential skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. It is important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
Solar Keratosis Images
When should I have a check for solar/actinic keratosis?
If you notice any changes in your skin, such as new or changing sunspots, it is recommended to see a Skin Cancer Specialist for evaluation and possible treatment.
Regular check-ups with a Skin Cancer Specialist can help monitor any suspicious spots and ensure early intervention if necessary. Remember, prevention and early detection are key in maintaining healthy skin and overall well-being.
Are there any health complications if solar keratosis is left untreated?
If left untreated, solar keratosis can potentially progress into a more serious form of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that can be aggressive and may require more extensive treatment. It is important to address any changes in your skin promptly to prevent any complications.
How is solar Keratosis/actinic keratosis treated?
A wide range of options are available for actinic keratosis/solar keratosis treatment.
Cryotherapy
This treatment uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the area. This causes blisters or peeling. These effects help the skin heal by removing damaged cells. This treatment is at its most effective for areas where there are limited sunspots.
Topical treatments
These treatments consist of different cream or gel that are applied directly to the skin. Unlike cryotherapy, these solutions can treat areas of skin where the sunspots are not yet visible.However, they require usage for 3-6 weeks to yield effective outcomes.
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy is the most innovative and efficient therapy for actinic keratosis. A single session could yield significant outcomes.
This treatment uses a light-sensitive substance on the skin, activated by a special light. This process helps to destroy the damaged cells in the affected area. Doctors often use photodynamic therapy for multiple or widespread actinic keratosis lesions on the face or body.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a popular choice for those looking for quick and effective results. A laser skin specialist usually performs the procedure in their office, and it can be completed in a single session. The laser targets the damaged skin cells, causing them to be removed and replaced with new, healthy skin.
At QC Skin Cancer & Laser Clinic, our specialists utilise non-ablative resurfacing lasers to deliver excellent outcomes with minimal recovery time.
Curettage & Cautery
When the lesion is thicker, you may need to undergo curettage. In this procedure, the doctor uses a device called a curette to scrape the damaged cells from your skin. Skin Cancer Specialists can use electrosurgery with a pen-like tool to remove and eradicate the damaged tissue.
This therapy is appropriate for individual, distinct thick actinic keratosis.
Surgery
Recommended for solar keratosis removal resistant to other treatments.
Where can I learn more about solar/actinic keratosis treatment?
Contact us to schedule an appointment or request a consultation with one of our expert specialists. Our doctors specialise in skin cancer medicine & surgery.
