Solar Keratoses

Solar keratoses are precancerous lesions of the skin caused by long-term sun exposure. They appear as scaly patches on the skin which are usually red, but can also be yellow, white, or brown. Solar keratoses can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, neck, hands, and arms. They can be painful and may be mistaken for warts, moles, or other skin conditions if not properly diagnosed. Treatment of these lesions is important to prevent them from developing into skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment options include topical creams – such as 5-fluorouracil, ingenol mebutate, and imiquimod – and cryotherapy. It is important to seek medical advice if you have any concerns about suspected solar keratoses.