Actinic Keratoses: Information and Treatment in Brighton, Hove & Worthing

What Are Actinic Keratoses (Solar Keratoses)?

Actinic keratoses are patches of dry, scaly skin that may itch or feel sore. These lesions often appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, forearms and back of the hands. Actinic keratoses on the scalp are especially common in men with thinning hair.

What Causes Actinic (Solar) Keratoses?

Solar keratoses develop due to long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. This damage builds up over time and causes skin cells to grow abnormally.

Key risk factors include:

• Fair skin that burns easily.
• Outdoor work or prolonged sun exposure.
• Living in sunny climates.
• History of sunbathing or sunbed use.

By age 60, more than 20% of adults in the UK develop solar keratoses. UV damage can also lead to premature ageing, pigmentation changes, sun spots, thinning of the skin (solar elastosis) and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Are Actinic Keratoses Harmful?

In most cases, actinic keratoses are harmless. However, they form in sun-damaged skin, which also raises the risk of skin cancer. Although the chance of a single lesion becoming cancerous is low (fewer than 1 in 400 per year), monitoring is important.

Lesions that bleed, grow, itch persistently, or crust over, should be reviewed by a dermatologist.

Is Treatment Always Needed?

Early actinic keratoses may resolve on their own with good sun protection. However, treatment is often recommended if lesions are bothersome, thickened, or there is any concern about the development of skin cancer. Sun avoidance is necessary to help reduce the number of new lesions developing.

We specialise in treating multiple actinic keratoses using a range of evidence-based therapies. Our team can help guide you toward the best option for your skin and lifestyle.

Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Sussex: Effective Options

1. Solaraze® Gel (Diclofenac 3%)

Applied once daily for up to 12 weeks.

• It works by causing inflammation in the unstable skin cells. Treated skin lesions look worse before they improve. They may become red, sore and weep.
• Best for early, superficial lesions.
• Generally well tolerated with minimal side effects.
• 50–70% effective.

2. Efudix® Cream (5-Fluorouracil)

Applied twice daily for 3 weeks or once daily for 6 weeks to small areas (typically less than 8-10 cm2).

• Destroys abnormal cells.
• Triggers visible skin reaction (redness, crusting and rarely ulceration).
• Treatment may need to be stopped for a few days if the reaction is very intense. You may need to ask your doctor to prescribe a topical steroid/antibiotic (Fucibet® cream) if the reaction is severe.
• Very effective for treating multiple actinic keratoses (85% efficacy)
• Treatment courses can be repeated or rotated around different areas.

3. Cryotherapy (Freezing with Liquid Nitrogen)

Quick and effective freeze-destruction of lesions.

• 90% success with one treatment.
• Healing within 1–2 weeks.
• May cause blistering, crusting or occasionally a permanent white scar.

4. Photodynamic Therapy (Metvix PDT®)

Used for widespread facial or scalp lesions.

• Cream applied and activated with red light.
• Short recovery time (7–10 days).
• 70–75% success rate per session.
• Multiple treatments may be required.

5. Curettage and Cautery

Scraping and cauterisation under local anaesthetic.

• Suitable for thick, resistant lesions.
• Wound typically heals within 2–3 weeks but may be longer on the lower leg.
• Sample sent for histological analysis (biopsy).
• Skin will heal with a small pink/white scar.

All treatments are provided under expert supervision as part of our comprehensive actinic keratosis treatment services in Sussex.

Should I have Regular Skin Checks?

Routine reviews are not always necessary for actinic keratoses. However, if you have many lesions or a history of skin cancer, we recommend seeing a dermatologist once or twice a year. Please note that routine skin checks are not typically offered in NHS clinics, but we provide this service privately.

Self-Care and Sun Protection Advice

In addition to professional care, protecting your skin is key to prevention.

Tips to reduce risk and support healing:

• Wear long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily.
• Avoid sunbeds and peak sun (11am–3pm).
• Check your skin regularly for new or changing lesions.

By following these steps, you can prevent further damage and reduce the need for future solar keratosis treatment in Sussex.

Book an Appointment for Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Sussex

If you’re experiencing actinic keratosis symptoms or have concerns about actinic keratoses on the scalp, or elsewhere, don’t wait. Our Consultant Dermatologists offer expert-led actinic keratosis treatment in Sussex, with fast access and personalised care.

Contact us today to arrange your consultation and receive trusted actinic keratosis patient information, diagnosis and support.