Around 1 in 5 people in the UK have actinic keratoses so it’s very common, but it can be sore and impact your self-confidence. There is a small chance that actinic keratosis can progress to form skin cancer. Find more information below on actinic keratoses and its causes, and the treatments available at The Dermatology Clinic London.

About actinic keratoses (AK)

What are actinic keratoses?

Actinic keratoses are small areas of thickened skin, often with a scaly surface, that are often pink or red in colour. Sometimes, they can appear raised and resemble crusty outgrowths. They tend to develop after the age of 40 and occur on parts of the body often exposed to sunlight. This includes:

• Face
• Scalp
• Ears
• Hands
• Lower legs

You are more likely to be affected by AK if you have fair skin and are prone to sunburn. If you have an AK that rapidly changes in size or appearance or begins to bleed, seek medical advice immediately as it could be progressing towards a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma.

Actinic keratoses treatment

With actinic keratoses, there is a small risk of progression to skin cancer so it’s always advisable to get it treated by a qualified dermatologist as soon as possible. Even though they are usually harmless, you might choose to have treatment to improve the appearance of your skin and boost your confidence.

The process of treating severe acne can be long and requires patience, but rest assured that you are receiving the highest quality of treatment from our professional dermatologists. Once your acne has gone you can enjoy a clearer complexion and renewed self-confidence.