Actinic Keratosis: Care Instructions

Overview

Actinic keratosis is a skin growth caused by sun damage. It can turn into skin cancer, but this isn't common. Actinic keratoses, also called solar keratoses, are small red, brown, or skin-colored scaly patches. They are most common on the scalp, face, neck, hands, and forearms.

Your doctor can remove these growths by freezing or scraping them off or by putting medicines on them.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor told you how to care for the treated area, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash around the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
  • You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly, and replace the bandage as needed.
  • Avoid using an antibiotic ointment unless your doctor recommends it.

How can you help prevent it?

• To help prevent getting another actinic keratosis:
  • Always wear sunscreen on exposed skin. Make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Use it every day, even when it is cloudy.
  • Wear long sleeves, a hat, and pants if you are going to be outdoors for a long time.
  • Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak time for UV rays.
  • Do not use tanning booths or sunlamps.