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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-coloured 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.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

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 non-stick 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 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the peak time for UV rays.
    • Do not use tanning booths or sunlamps.

When should you call for help?

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:

  • You have symptoms of infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the area.
    • Pus draining from the area.
    • A fever.
  • You see a change in your skin, such as a spot, growth, or mole that:
    • Grows bigger. This may happen slowly.
    • Changes colour.
    • Changes shape.
    • Starts to bleed easily.
  • You have a wound that does not heal.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.