Interview transcription:
We interviewed Dr Penelope Pratsou to find out about the symptoms of Actinic Keratoses and Bowen’s disease.
Could you give me a brief review of the symptoms to look out for on your skin that might indicate either actinic keratoses or Bowen’s disease?
Penelope Pratsou: The signs that you’re looking for are in areas where you are regularly exposed to the sun. This could be your face, your ears, your hands or other parts of your body. You might notice little reddish or skin-coloured rough patches that just don’t seem to be settling with normal moisturisers. You might actually be living in an area where you’re already well aware of what those types of sun damage look like, or you might have a friend or relative who’s had symptoms.
Should you spot something like this, what can one do to see somebody like you to get it sorted out?
Penelope Pratsou: If you do have something on your skin that’s not settling, it’s terribly important that you get in touch with someone who can advise on that. I’d be more than happy to see you, whether you come directly or through your GP. Then we can diagnose you and find out why this could be happening and give you the right advice in order to avoid further sun damage. There are lots of things that I can do to help you with the treatment of these areas of actinic keratoses and Bowen’s disease. More importantly, I can give advice and treatment of the sun damage in order to avoid the more potentially serious problems of skin cancer.
If you have any of the symptoms or conditions that we’ve just discussed, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr Penelope Pratsou where she’ll be able to assess your condition and give you a suitable treatment plan.
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.
