Coping with… ACTINIC KERATOSIS

These patches of rough skin are caused by prolonged sun damage

- Dr Gill Jenkins

Actinic keratoses – also known as solar keratoses – are fairly common, especially as we age. The patches occur on skin that has been exposed to sun, and it may not be serious, often even going away on their own if they are small. However, it’s important to have them checked, especially if they grow fast or bleed, as sometimes they can turn into skin cancer, called squamous cell carcinoma. In people with several patches, there is approximately a one in 10 chance of getting skin cancer within 10 years of first developing them.