Solar keratoses are common erythematous or yellow-brown, rough, dry lesions on elderly or sun-damaged skin, located mainly on the face and other exposed areas.
Symptoms and course solar keratosis
The triggering factors are chronic exposure to the sun's predominantly UVB rays. Solar keratosis develops after several to several decades. The yellowish-brown horny build-ups have a dry, uneven surface, lie at the level of the surrounding skin or are only slightly raised, so that they are more tactile than visible.
When the horn masses are removed, a slightly bleeding, exposed surface is exposed. Lesions are often numerous on the forehead, temporal region, head in bald people, on the auricles, and less frequently on the backs of the hands, forearms and lower legs.
People with a fair complexion who work outdoors /farmers, sailors/ are predisposed. Solar keratosis can be the starting point of skin cancer /most often squamous cell carcinoma/.
Transformation may be suggested by enlargement of the lesion, appearance of basal infiltration, erosion, bleeding, breakdown.
Treatment solar keratosis
Evaluation is performed by a dermatologist .If cancer is suspected, a biopsy is performed. It is advisable to avoid exposure to the sun, use sunscreen with UV filters and periodic dermatological follow-up.
