Actinic keratoses

Around 10% of actinic keratoses can become a malignant form of skin cancer over the course of time (invasive spinaliom or squamous cell carcinoma). It cannot be predicted when this happens and which lesions will be affected. That is why a dermatologist should be sought out in any case with persistent or recurring rough or scaly skin changes in areas of the skin exposed to the sun ('sun terraces'). This applies fundamentally of course to all unexplained skin changes.

The dermatologist usually already recognises actinic keratoses by looking at and feeling the changes in the skin. In cases of doubt, a small sample of skin is removed and then examined under the microscope.

Treatment options

Nowadays, there are various surgical and external treatment options. The right treatment is oriented not only according to the spread and localisation of the actinic keratoses but also according to whether certain basic illnesses or risk factors exist in those affected. Consequently, the suitable treatment must be discussed individually with the dermatologist treating the patient.

The following forms of therapy are available:

• Laser therapy
• Surface removal with a curettage
• Cold therapy with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
• Cutting out with a scalpel
• External treatment with special gels or creams
• Radiation with UV light (photodynamic therapy, PDT)

Check-ups

Actinic keratoses develop in areas of the skin that were exposed to excessive sun, normally over many years. The sun damage can often have been caused decades previously. It can therefore not be excluded that new lesions will form after removal of individual actinic keratoses on other parts. Regular check-ups by a dermatologist, including after a successful therapy, are to be recommended.