I have developed solar keratosis on my forehead. Why has this happened?
Solar keratosis is a small, scaly growth that develops on the surface of the skin. It is caused by over exposure to the sun over many years. It is more likely to develop if you are of fair complexion with blue or green eyes. Kidney or other solid organ transplant recipients and those taking immuno-suppressant drugs may also be more prone to them.
People who have experienced long-term, regular, sun exposure, or suffered severe sunburn at a young age are also at higher risk of developing the condition.
Solar keratosis is typically found on the face, scalp, back of the hands, chest, or other sun-exposed areas. The lesions may be the same colour as the surrounding skin or may be grey, pink or red.
While the diagnosis of solar keratosis can usually made based on the appearance of your skin, a biopsy of larger lesions may be required. Approximately 5 per cent of solar keratoses develop into a squamous cell skin cancer.
I have been prescribed a gel containing 3 per cent diclofenac sodium which I apply twice daily for the next three months. Can it be treated in any other way?
The gel you have been prescribed contains diclofenac, which is an anti-inflammatory drug. Other types of gels and creams can also be used in the treatment of solar keratosis. They all take a number of week or months to work and have the potential to cause inflammation, soreness and irritation of the skin where it is applied.
Solar keratosis may be treated by other methods such as electrical cautery (burning) or scraping away the lesion. The lesion may be excised surgically or removed using cryotherapy which freezes and kills the cells. Laser treatments can also be used but may also cause irritation and redness of the skin.
I’ve been advised to stay out of the sun but find it impossible to do so. Consequently, the growths blister, becoming irritable and unsightly.
Where possible, try to protect skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, long skirts, or trousers.
Avoid sun exposure during midday when ultraviolet light is most intense. Get into the habit of using a high-quality sunscreen (minimum SPF rating of 15) and preferably one that blocks both UVA and UVB light. Apply sunscreen before going out, and reapply often and make sure to use it year-round, including in the winter.
