Actinic keratoses

Actinic keratoses are caused by sun exposure over many years. This includes sunbathing, sunbed use, outdoor work, or recreational activities, and living in a country with a sunny climate. Phototherapy or ionising radiation may also contribute to their development. They occur more commonly in older people and fair skinned, blue eyed, red, or blonde-haired individuals, who burn easily in the sun. Actinic keratoses are not contagious.

Are actinic keratoses hereditary?

No, but some of the risk factors for developing actinic keratoses do run in families – for example, those who tend to burn easily in the sun rather than tan, have red or fair hair, blue eyes, and freckles. People with albinism or xeroderma pigmentosum are also at increased risk.

Actinic keratoses can be variable in appearance. They may simply feel rough or scaly, looking like dry skin. They are often pink but can be skin- coloured or red. A change in texture of the skin may be noticed before a colour change. They can grow to 1-2 cm in diameter and occasionally develop a thicker lumpy layer. The surrounding skin often looks sun-damaged (blotchy, freckled and wrinkled). There are usually several actinic keratoses in the same area of sun-exposed skin; they rarely occur alone.

Actinic keratoses often do not cause any trouble but can be itchy or sore. If left untreated for many years, there is a very small risk that an actinic keratosis can progress into a form of skin cancer called a squamous cell carcinoma. People affected by many actinic keratoses are also at a higher risk of developing other types of skin cancer, compared to someone of the same age who does not have any actinic keratoses.

If an actinic keratosis develops into a lump or horn, grows very quickly, becomes tender, forms an ulcer, or starts to bleed, it is important to seek medical advice. These changes could indicate the early onset of skin cancer. People at a higher risk include those with multiple actinic keratoses, and those on immunosuppressive drugs, for example organ transplant patients.

Image DermNetNZ.

Usually, the appearance of actinic keratosis is sufficient to enable the diagnosis to be made by a doctor who manages skin problems, for example a GP or dermatologist. In cases of uncertainty, a sample (biopsy) or the whole affected area may be removed surgically under local anaesthetic for examination under a microscope in the laboratory.

Can actinic keratoses be cured?

Actinic keratoses can be treated but tend to recur over time. Their presence  indicates there is sun damage to the skin and so, whilst an individual actinic keratosis can be cured, the affected individual is at risk of developing more in the future.

How can actinic keratoses be treated?

Some actinic keratoses may go away without treatment, especially if they are small and if the skin is protected from the sun. Moisturisers can be used for scaly patches. There are several treatments available and the options can be discussed with your healthcare professional. Treatment will depend on the number and location of the actinic keratoses, and other factors which will differ between people. Some individuals may choose not to treat actinic keratoses and just self-monitor their skin.

Protecting your skin from the sun will help reduce the number of new actinic keratoses and will reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Practice good sun protection by following these recommendations:

People who actively avoid sun exposure should have their vitamin D levels checked and monitored. Your GP may advise you to take a vitamin D supplement.