Sitting in the sun for a prolonged period may be pleasant, but it can harm your skin in the long run. One of the skin issues that can occur is actinic keratosis. These are dry, scaly areas that develop on your skin after it has been exposed to excessive sun over the years.
The good news is that actinic keratosis can be treated if caught early. In this blog, you will explore all about actinic keratosis, including its causes, appearance, and treatment options.
Let’s get into all the details.
Actinic keratosis is a dry, rough, scaly skin patch. It results from prolonged sun exposure over several years. The patches themselves may not appear to be a concern at first, but they are precancerous. That is to say, they could develop into skin cancer if left untreated.
They are not necessarily easy to spot initially. They might gradually become like sandpaper or a very small scab. Other individuals don’t feel them until they become red, sore, or start to peel.
Most individuals have more than one patch, particularly on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun.
You may also hear it referred to as solar keratosis. It’s not immediately dangerous, but it is a signal that your skin has been injured.
Actinic keratosis results from the sun’s or a tanning bed’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These are the primary causes:
Spending lots of time outdoors without using sunscreen or wearing protective clothing allows UV rays to damage your skin. This damage accumulates over time, increasing your risk.
Getting sunburnt, particularly during childhood or teenage years, can deeply harm the skin cells. Even if your skin healed then, the effects may show up later as rough, scaly patches.
Tanning beds give off intense UV radiation, just like the sun. Regular use increases your chance of developing skin problems, including actinic keratosis and even skin cancer.
Individuals with pale or fair skin are more susceptible to the sun’s effects. If your skin turns red quickly in sunlight, it means it’s more likely to be damaged by UV rays.
If someone’s immune system is weak (due to illness, medication, or age), their body might not be able to repair sun damage properly. This makes it easier for sun damaged skin cells to turn into actinic keratosis.
Actinic keratosis doesn’t happen overnight. It builds up slowly over decades. Even brief periods in the sun, without proper care, can accumulate over time and lead to rough patches appearing later in life.
Now, let’s see who can get it.
Anyone can develop actinic keratosis, but some individuals have a greater risk than others. You are more likely to develop it if you:
Here’s what to be aware of:
Actinic keratosis typically appears on the areas of the body that are exposed to the sun more often. These include your:
Most patches are tiny, but some become larger or spread. If left untreated, some develop squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer).
Here are advanced options to treat the skin affected with solar keratosis:
Neogen Plasma Treatment is a relatively new procedure that utilises a unique form of energy to treat injured skin. It involves releasing a soft wave of plasma (which is created from nitrogen gas) over the surface of the skin. Plasma heat destroys damaged cells, allowing healthy new skin to develop.
What’s unique about Neogen Plasma is that it treats the whole surface of the skin, not a single patch. This makes it highly beneficial for individuals with numerous patches or sun-damaged areas that are broad, such as those on the face or scalp.
UltraClear laser resurfacing is a potent procedure that exfoliates the top layers of sun-damaged skin with a focused beam of light. It works particularly well for treating multiple patches at once, especially on the face or scalp. The laser eliminates the sun-damaged skin cells and stimulates the skin to produce new, healthy layers underneath.
Practitioners tend to use this technique when the skin is severely sun-damaged or when numerous actinic keratosis lesions are clustered together.
If you wonder how to get rid of freckles, know that UltraClear Laser Resurfacing can be your answer.
Chemical peels work by peeling the outer layers of the skin with a special acid solution. This removes damaged skin cells, making way for new, healthier skin to develop. The treatment is frequently applied to the face and is well-suited for use on numerous small patches or uneven, sun-damaged areas.
It works particularly well for individuals who would like to treat early actinic keratosis while enhancing the appearance of their skin.
Cryotherapy is one of the most popular treatments for actinic keratosis. It is usually used for one or two patches. During this treatment, the practitioner sprays the patch with liquid nitrogen. The intense cold freezes and kills the abnormal skin cells.
After treatment, the patch can blister and then develop a scab. Within the next several weeks, the scab will crack off, and new, healthy skin will replace it. Cryotherapy is a fast treatment that is always performed in a clinic.
Curettage is a minor surgery performed on thicker or more persistent patches. In a curettage, the practitioner utilises a sharp device called a curette to remove the affected skin. At times, the doctor uses heat (referred to as electrocautery) to kill the remaining cells and prevent bleeding.
This is typically carried out under local anaesthetic, so the area is made insensitive, and you will feel no pain at all while undergoing the procedure.
Doctors may also use special creams to treat actinic keratosis. These creams help destroy damaged cells or support your body’s immune system in removing them. They are often used when there are many small patches or when the patches cover a wide area, such as the face or scalp. If you want to try, consult a specialist who prescribes the topical cream solutions.
Even if your doctor is treating the patches, daily home care is equally important. These easy steps can prevent new patches from developing and shield your skin from additional sun damage.
Select one with an SPF of at least 30 and ensure it is labelled as “broad-spectrum” to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use it on all exposed skin, even on winter days or cloudy days, and reapply every 2 hours if you plan to be outside.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, as they can harm your skin. There are also UV-blocking clothes, which are particularly useful for individuals who spend a lot of time outside or have extremely fair skin.
Your eyes and the skin around your eyes can also be damaged by the sun. Select sunglasses that specifically state they block 100% of UV rays to protect this delicate area.
Attempt to avoid the direct sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the UV rays are most intense. Sit in the shade of trees, use an umbrella, or take early morning or late afternoon walks.
They emit intense UV rays that are more damaging to the skin than the sun. Exposure to them increases your chances of getting new patches and developing skin cancer.
Examine your skin every few weeks for new dry areas, ulcers, or spots that do not heal. If something appears or feels different, particularly if it bleeds, enlarges, or crusts over, consult a healthcare professional.
Keratosis refers to the thickened or rough areas on the skin that result from the accumulation of keratin. It encompasses benign forms such as seborrhoeic keratosis and keratosis pilaris.
On the other hand, actinic keratosis is a special form caused by sun damage and may develop into skin cancer if left untreated. Therefore, all actinic keratosis is keratosis, but not all keratosis is actinic.
Can a rough patch of actinic keratosis become cancer? In some cases, yes. Actinic keratosis isn’t cancer, but it may become squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a form of skin cancer. This doesn’t occur in all cases, but experts usually comment:
Consult your doctor or a skin specialist if:
Regular skin checks are also advisable if you have been getting more than usual sunburns or excessive sun exposure.
Actinic keratosis may seem like just dry skin, but it is a warning sign from your body. It indicates that your skin has been damaged by the sun for many years. While the patches are not cancerous at first, they can become skin cancer if ignored. That’s why it’s so important to notice the signs early and get help from a doctor.
Moreover, if you are looking to address skin damage caused by actinic keratosis, consult with experts for advanced treatments such as Ultraclear Laser Resurfacing, NeoGen Plasma, Chemical Peels, or topical creams.
Protecting your skin from harmful sun rays, applying sunscreen with SPF, and avoiding tanning booths may help prevent this condition.
There is no single cure, but many treatments work well. These include freezing (cryotherapy), creams, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and plasma therapy. The proper treatment depends on the number of patches you have and the extent of skin damage.
Actinic keratosis is considered a precancerous condition. This means the patches are not cancer yet, but could turn into squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer) if not treated. It’s an early warning sign that should not be ignored.
Neogen Plasma is a newer treatment. It uses a soft wave of heat to treat sun-damaged skin. It works well on larger areas and helps the skin heal while enhancing its appearance. It’s often used in conjunction with other methods, such as lasers or creams.
They don’t “spread” like an infection, but new patches can form over time, especially if your skin keeps getting sun damage.
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Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Gorman is a consultant plastic surgeon and department lead at Salford Royal, specialising in facial plastics and complex reconstructive procedures. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including oculoplastic, nasal, ear, abdominal, and microsurgical reconstruction, with particular focus on breast, head and neck, and lower limb reconstruction.
With a non-surgical and surgical skillet, Dr. Gorman is known for using advanced techniques to achieve natural, harmonious results. His approach often integrates dermal fillers and fat transfer to enhance facial features in combination with a range of deep plane facelifts.
Beyond facial aesthetics, his specialties include high-definition liposuction, allowing for precise body contouring.
Dr. Gorman’s approach to plastic surgery is rooted in skill, combining technical precision with a deep understanding of aesthetics to achieve refined and personalised outcomes for each patient.Dr.Gorman is a key opinion leader (KOL) for major UK aesthetic companies, also has taught at BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), bringing his expertise to the next generation of surgeons.
Additionally, he runs his own aesthetic training company, further extending his influence in the field.Dedicated to total well-being, Dr. Gorman created the Look Body Mind philosophy, which blends aesthetics and wellness for a holistic approach to beauty.Whether you’re looking for subtle enhancements or comprehensive reconstructive work, Dr. Gorman’s patient-centered care, grounded in precision, skill and an exceptional aesthetic eye, ensures that you will feel confident throughout your journey.
Administrator
Sophie brings over a decade of customer service expertise to her role as Receptionist at Yorkshire Skin Centre. With a strong foundation in retail management and the travel industry, she is recognised for her warm, approachable manner and professional attitude—ensuring every client feels welcomed and valued from the moment they arrive.
Highly organised and calm under pressure, Sophie thrives in fast-paced environments and seamlessly manages a wide range of front-of-house responsibilities.
As the first point of contact for many clients, she plays a vital role in maintaining the clinic’s high standards of service and creating a smooth, reassuring experience for all visitors.
Beyond her professional skills, Sophie brings a vibrant energy to the team. She has a passion for travel, fashion, and music, and is currently learning both Spanish and Arabic. Her dedication to personal growth, combined with her friendly and proactive approach, makes her an indispensable part of our team.
Senior Surgical Sister(RN)
Herezel McCourt is a highly experienced Registered Nurse at Yorkshire Skin Centre, bringing over two decades of clinical expertise across diverse surgical and medical specialties. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Perioperative Practice from Huddersfield University, UK, and a BSc in Nursing from Cebu Doctors’ University in the Philippines.
Herezel has spent the majority of her career within the NHS, most recently as a Clinical Specialist in Ophthalmic Surgery at The MidYorkshire Teaching NHS Trust.
Her extensive background includes roles in operating theatres, anaesthetic care, ENT, urology, plastics, maxillofacial, orthopaedic, and podiatric nursing, among others.
Renowned for her professionalism, dedication, and compassionate care, Herezel is also a trained mentor, assessor, and ANTT trainer. She has led initiatives in recruitment, risk assessment, SOP development, and patient care pathway planning. Her leadership credentials are strengthened by a Level 3 Award in First Line Management and a strong commitment to staff development and peer support.
Herezel is a calm and supportive presence to both patients and colleagues, and her attention to clinical excellence makes her an invaluable member of the Yorkshire Skin Centre team.
Clinical Assistant
Rhea Levitt is a highly experienced Clinical Assistant at Yorkshire Skin Centre, known for her hands-on approach, warm personality, and commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. With a solid background in healthcare settings, Rhea brings valuable clinical expertise and administrative support to the team.
Her wide-ranging experience includes phlebotomy, wound care, ECGs, diabetic foot checks, B12 injections, and assisting in minor surgical procedures. She is also skilled in patient health monitoring, spirometry, and providing support during clinics such as coil fittings and cancer care.
Rhea’s well-rounded clinical knowledge is matched by her excellent organisational skills and a calm, compassionate approach to patient wellbeing.
In addition to her clinical duties, Rhea supports the practice by carrying out internal audits and ensuring best practices are upheld throughout the clinic. She plays a key role in maintaining smooth day-to-day operations and upholding the high standards that Yorkshire Skin Centre is known for.
Dedicated, professional, and always ready to help, Rhea is an invaluable member of the team who helps ensure that every patient receives attentive, safe, and seamless care.
Administrator
Raman holds a Bachelor of Science with Bachelor of Education (BSc, BEd) from India, a qualification that integrates scientific studies and teaching education, equipping her with a strong foundation in both fields. She is currently building her career in the UK healthcare industry, bringing her hardworking, compassionate, and friendly nature to the team.
With valuable experience in customer service and patient care, Raman plays a key role in managing day-to-day operations, handling bookings, and ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for all patients.
Her dedication to excellence and passion for healthcare and client well-being make her an integral part of our team.
Practitioner
Nichola is a highly skilled practitioner with a strong background in beauty and holistic therapies. She earned her Level 3 Beauty Therapy qualification with distinction from the Yorkshire College of Beauty and further enhanced her expertise with Level 4 Specialist training. She is also CIDESCO-certified, an internationally recognized gold standard in beauty and spa therapy, ensuring clients receive the highest level of care and treatments.
With 18 years of customer service experience, primarily in the hospitality industry, Nichola deeply understands the importance of building strong client relationships. She is known for her hardworking nature, punctuality, and dedication to continuous learning.
Passionate about skincare and wellness, Nichola is committed to expanding her expertise in a leading skin clinic. She believes that the knowledge and experience she gains will be invaluable in delivering the highest standard of care to her clients.
“ Your journey to skin perfection starts here. Leave your details, and our expert team will be in touch shortly.”
Patient Representative
Patient Representative
I am Senior Manager currently working for a small charity based in Leeds. My role is both professionally stimulating and challenging. No two days are ever the same. It includes aspects of advocacy, client rights, individual representation and inclusivity.
One milestone that resonates deeply is the creation of support groups, safe spaces where clients can openly share their stories. Witnessing the impact of these connections has fuelled my determination to improve the journey of others.
Through my own aesthetic endeavours , I’ve developed an unparalleled understanding of the emotional nuances tied to cosmetic treatments. This empathy allows me to offer sincere reassurance and guidance, especially during moments of vulnerability, in an era of aesthetic care that marries technical expertise with genuine human understanding and a person centred approach.
In my spare time I love the outdoors, enjoying hillwalking, taking part in sport, managing my bountiful allotment, and enhancing my cookery skills trying different cuisines (..no Masterchef yet).. and travel.
Consultant and General Surgeon
Dr. Khan earned her MD from Copenhagen University in 2003 and boasts over 20 years of medical expertise. Her early career was dedicated to dermatology and gynaecology across Yorkshire, and in 2011, she became a qualified GP from The Royal College of General Practitioners in London.
Dr. Khan’s commitment to women’s health is evident through her achievements. In 2012, she earned a Diploma in Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Sales Administrator
Aesthetic Doctor
Expert Practitioner
Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC registered medical clinic. Led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetic medicine.
Dr Raj Thethi is a Northern Territory Regional Expert for an international dermal filler company called Teoxane. He also sits on their National UK Faculty. He is nationally recognised leader in the field of Aesthetics and a skilled trainer up..Yorkshire Skin Centre in Leeds is a CQC registered medical clinic. Led by Dr Raj Thethi who completed his core surgical training in hospitals around West Yorkshire before branching into aesthetic medicine.
Clinic Director
Founder and Medical Director
Dr Raj is the Founder and Clinical Director of the Yorkshire Aesthetic Clinic. With a successful career in aesthetics and a passion for patient care, Dr. Raj found that his expertise in facial aesthetics was a natural progression where he could showcase his warm and friendly demeanour alongside his exceptional skills.
Dr Raj specialises in advanced facial aesthetics, offering a wide range of treatments and skin procedures. With his extensive training and experience in both medical and aesthetic fields, he brings a unique perspective to delivering exceptional results.
Driven by his passion for patient satisfaction, Dr Raj established the Yorkshire Aesthetic Clinic. Located in a comfortable and welcoming environment, the clinic provides a luxurious and refined setting for patients seeking aesthetic treatments…. Read More
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Hi, I’m Sarah Coates. I’m a Senior Change Manager, Hogan accredited coach, proud mum of 2 beautiful boys and am blessed with incredible friends to get into mischief with!
As I headed towards my 40th birthday, my life changed in a way that I could never have imagined and I came off that roller coaster with a new lease of life, with an understanding of the importance of self care and a huge amount of gratitude.
I love to travel, have a passion for interior design and enjoy sharing all that life has to offer with my beautiful family and fabulous friends.
If I’m not at work, you’ll find me playing at the park with my boys, enjoying the sun in Ibiza, listening to music or at the bar with a glass of fizz!
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Consultant Ophthalmologist & Oculoplastic Surgeon
Mr Jeeva is celebrated for his mastery in aesthetic eyelid surgery. By adopting a patient-centric ethos, he delivers personalised treatments that amplify natural beauty and revive youthful vitality.
He has completed a prestigious fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons, specialising in cosmetic plastic surgery. This rigorous training has endowed him with advanced techniques in aesthetic surgery, ensuring outcomes that are both beautiful and natural.
With a specialised fellowship in oculoplastic surgery, Mr Jeeva has honed his skills in delicate eyelid surgeries, tear duct disorders… Read More
Independent Nurse Prescriber
Alana embarked on a career in nursing in 2008, following her comprehensive training and graduation. Since then, she has accrued a wealth of experience working in a variety of roles within both the NHS and private healthcare sectors. Known for her dedication and exceptional skills, Alana rapidly ascended into management, and for the past seven years, has been serving as a matron.
Throughout her career, she has consistently maintained her clinical competencies and academic studies. She initially earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, later advancing her studies to become an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Independent Prescriber. Her commitment to continuous professional development led to the completion of her full Master’s degree.
Alana’s passion for skin spurred her to further specialise in this field. In 2017, she pursued training in facial aesthetics, a decision that marked the beginning of a significant new chapter in her career. Since then, she has been affiliated with several leading skin clinics across the UK, where she has honed her expertise and built a reputation for excellence. Her extensive knowledge and experience in skin led her to become an expert medical trainer and since 2021, Alana has been imparting her knowledge at an award-winning training academy. Previously, she held the prestigious position of National Trainer for SKN Clinics, where she educated a variety of medical professionals, including plastic surgeons.
While Alana enjoys all aspects of skin, she has a particular fondness for medical-grade skin care, which she believes offers unparalleled benefits to patients. Her dedication to patient care and her professional knowledge and skills, make her a standout figure in this field. Through her work, Alana has positively impacted numerous lives, helping patients achieve their best skin health and aesthetic goals. In her trainer role, Alana is known for her meticulous approach and her ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner, ensuring that her trainees are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care. Her leadership and mentorship have been crucial in elevating the standards of practice within the industry.
Alana’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing and aesthetics. Her professional journey reflects a blend of clinical expertise, academic achievement, and a genuine passion for improving patient care. As she continues to advance her career, Alana remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of the field, continually enhancing her skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care to her patients and to train the next generation of skin care professionals.
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
With over 15 years of experience in the NHS, Mr Nikos Lymperopoulos specialises in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery. He graduated from the University of Athens Medical in 2009 and completed his basic surgical training in Liverpool. After earning a PhD with honours in DIEP clinical anatomy research in 2013, he completed advanced surgical training in plastic surgery across Yorkshire and Liverpool, including a cosmetic fellowship in the North West.
Mr Lymperopoulos further honed his expertise with two prestigious breast reconstruction microsurgical fellowships at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals in London. His extensive experience in breast reconstruction after mastectomy provides a profound understanding of surgical anatomy and aesthetics, benefiting procedures such as breast augmentation, reduction, and uplift. Additionally, he is highly skilled in abdominoplasty, often enhanced with liposuction or muscle repair, especially post-pregnancy.
Specialising in skin cancer treatment, he adeptly handles Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. He offers a comprehensive range of breast and body cosmetic surgeries, including breast augmentation with implants or fat transfer, breast reduction, uplift, tummy tucks, and liposuction. Combined procedures, such as “mommy makeovers,” are also available to restore post-pregnancy body contours.
Trained in both surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, Mr Lymperopoulos performs eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), as well as toxin and filler injections. Currently, he serves as a Consultant at Mid Yorkshire Teaching Hospitals, specialising in breast reconstruction and skin cancer surgery, and holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer position at the University of Leeds.
An advocate for education and research, Mr Lymperopoulos has over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals and a PhD in microsurgical breast reconstruction. As an Education Lead, he developed “The Yorkshire FRCS (Plast) Course” to aid UK trainees in their exit exams. His innovative training simulator was awarded first place in Innovation at the BAPRAS meeting in 2021.
Blepharoplasty, also known as an eye lift, is a surgical procedure performed on the eyelids to improve their appearance. It can address concerns like:
Excess skin on the upper eyelids: This can obstruct vision and create a hooded appearance.
Bags under the lower eyelids: These can make you look tired or aged.
Drooping lower eyelids: This can also obstruct vision and contribute to a tired appearance.
Types of Blepharoplasty:
Upper blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and sometimes fat or muscle tissue.
Lower blepharoplasty: This addresses concerns with the lower eyelids, removing excess fat or skin and sometimes repositioning tissues.
Asian blepharoplasty: This addresses specific concerns related to the anatomy of Asian eyelids, creating a more defined crease.
