Solar Keratosis is known as a pre-cancer when it is consistently exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Around 10-15% of spots will manifest a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Symptoms of Solar Keratosis
Pink or red patches
Flat or crusting areas of skin which are pink or red or a combination of both colours
- Can be scaling or scabby
- Can be crusting
- Can have small red or pink raised bumps
- Can be areas of white and yellow crusting skin
- Can have small brown freckles or multi-coloured patches of skin
- May be itchy, tender to touch or will spot bleed
Treatment
There are three key tips dermatologists recommend for reducing up to 70% of Solar Keratosis without medical treatment.
- Exfoliate with mitt or a shower towel. During your shower use a small amount of liquid moisturising or non-soap wash with the mitt to firmly scrub the whole surface of your skin. Repeat this every day for a week.
- Once dead skin is scrubbed away, use a rehydrating or moisturising cream containing Vitamin D. This will repair your skin cells overnight.
- In the morning apply SPF 50+ daily moisturiser to your face, neck and ears and the ‘V’ area of your chest. Then apply an SPF 50+ sunscreen to all the areas of your body that won’t be covered with clothing.