Solar keratoses - Skin and soft tissue lumps

Solar keratoses

Definition

Solar keratoses or actinic keratoses are single, small scaly plaques occuring as a result of sun damage to the skin.

Incidence

Common.

Age

Occurs in the middle-aged and elderly.

Aetiology/pathophysiology

Solar keratoses are seen in fair-skinned patients associated with sun exposure. They are most common in patients who burn easily and tan poorly. There is debate as to whether solar keratoses leads to squamous cell carcinoma, or whether squamous cell carcinomas arise in the same areas due to the sun damage.

Clinical features

Lesions initially appear as a small, well-demarcated, red brown plaque that progress to become more erythematous and hyperkeratotic. Solar keratoses bleed easily with minor trauma.

Management

Treatment includes cryotherapy, curettage or topical 5-fluorouracil.