Actinic keratoses, also known as solar keratoses, are areas of sun damaged skin
IN THESE VIDEOS, I EXPLAIN THE SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF ACTINIC KERATOSES – AND HOW TO TREAT THEM
In the videos above, I explain things in a simple way that applies to most people who have actinic keratoses. Of course, no video or website can replace the value of a personalised consultation. At your consultation, you can have your skin carefully examined and get an expert recommendation to help you resolve your condition.
How do actinic keratoses impact people on a day-by-day basis?
THEY MAY CAUSE NO SYMPTOMS AT ALL, OR THEY MAY CAUSE SOME BOTHER
What they look like and where you can get them
The patches can be red, pink, brown or skin-coloured. They can be rough (like sandpaper) or scaly, flat or stick out from the skin (similar to warts). Actinic keratoses can be a few millimetres to a few centimetres across. You might have actinic keratoses in sun-exposed areas such as the head and neck, the ears, the backs of the hands, the forearms and lower legs.
Actinic keratoses are sometimes sore or itchy
Occasionally they itch or produce a prickling or tender sensation. They can also become inflamed and surrounded by redness. In some instances, actinic keratoses can even bleed.
Can they turn into something worse?
We now know that the risk of an actinic keratosis turning into skin cancer, or squamous cell carcinoma, is minimal and probably around one in 1000. However, patients with a large number of actinic keratoses have an increased risk of skin cancer (around 10%). It is therefore essential that you check your skin regularly and seek medical advice if you develop a non-healing, growing, painful, or bleeding lump.
What are the causes of actinic keratoses?
The leading cause of actinic keratoses is cumulative sun exposure resulting in sun damage. Other risk factors include fair skin, outdoor hobbies or outdoor work, living in sunny climate, and a compromised immune system.
Can we cure Actinic keratoses?
Treatments are highly effective in treating your existing actinic keratoses. However, the treatments will not prevent new actinic keratoses from forming. This means that you will need to protect your skin from further sun damage and keep an eye on your skin. Should any new areas develop, I can treat these in the same way.
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Dear Ms. Pratsou,I am writing to thank you for the care you have given me in the past few months. From the moment I walked into your consulting room with a lesion on my cheek, a lesion that I fully expected to be some sort of skin cancer (and it was), you have been thorough, reassuring, respectful and in every way professional.
You recognised that I had some insight into the condition of my skin and the procedures required to treat me. You listened to me. You projected expertise and compassion.
During the procedure to remove the growth you ensured that the atmosphere in the treatment room remained not only calm, but actually pleasant. Had it not been that you were excising a growth and sewing me up, I almost felt as if you, me and the nurse were at some sort of women’s discussion group. The time flew by. I had zero anxieties about the procedure and as we both know now, the wound healed flawlessly.
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How it works
FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN IN 3 EASY STEPS
STEP 1 – CALL US
STEP 2 – LET’S MEET
STEP 3 – RESOLUTION
CONTACT MY STAFF
Give us a call on 01183735198 and we’ll help guide you towards a first appointment.
MEET WITH ME
I’ll see you and examine your skin before I recommend treatment. In some cases, I can begin treating your condition on the same day.
FEEL IN CHARGE OF YOUR SKIN
I’ll guide you down the road towards a resolution of your skin condition so that you can get back to normal life.
More information about actinic keratoses
FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE DETAILS
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Questions and answers
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About the author
Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist
MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)
I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.
I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.
After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.
Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.