Skin
Medicines for Actinic keratosis
Rough, scaly patches of skin caused by long-term sun damage, common on sun-exposed areas — usually harmless but treated because a small number can develop into skin cancer.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses) are rough, dry, scaly patches of skin that develop after years of sun exposure, typically on the face, scalp (in balding areas), ears, backs of the hands and forearms. They are usually a few millimetres to a centimetre across, may feel like sandpaper, and can be skin-coloured, pink or brownish.
- How it is treated: Management depends on the number, appearance and risk.
- Self-care: Sun protection is key: using high-factor sunscreen, covering up, seeking shade, and avoiding sunbeds.
- When to seek help: See a GP about persistent rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin.
What it is
Actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses) are rough, dry, scaly patches of skin that develop after years of sun exposure, typically on the face, scalp (in balding areas), ears, backs of the hands and forearms. They are usually a few millimetres to a centimetre across, may feel like sandpaper, and can be skin-coloured, pink or brownish. They are very common in older, fair-skinned people. Most are harmless, but they are a sign of significant sun damage, and a small proportion can, over time, develop into a type of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma), which is why they are monitored and often treated.
How it is treated
Management depends on the number, appearance and risk. Individual patches can be removed or destroyed with freezing (cryotherapy), and areas with several lesions can be treated with prescription creams or gels, or light-based treatments, that clear the damaged cells. Sun protection is central — both to reduce new lesions and to protect the skin generally. Any patch that becomes thickened, tender, bleeds, or grows is checked, as this can indicate change to skin cancer. People with many actinic keratoses may have regular skin reviews.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Actinic keratosis
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Sun protection is key: using high-factor sunscreen, covering up, seeking shade, and avoiding sunbeds. Checking the skin regularly and reporting any patch that grows, thickens, bleeds or becomes tender helps catch any change early.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about persistent rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed skin. Seek prompt assessment for any patch or lump that grows, thickens, becomes tender, bleeds or does not heal.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Actinic keratosis: frequently asked questions
Are actinic keratoses skin cancer?
No, they are not cancer, but they are a sign of sun damage and a small proportion can develop into a skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) over time, which is why they are monitored and often treated.
How are actinic keratoses treated?
Options include freezing individual patches, prescription creams or gels for areas with several, and light-based treatments, together with good sun protection to reduce new ones.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS — Actinic keratosis
- British Association of Dermatologists guidance
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