What it is
They are caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or sunbeds.
Treatments include freezing, creams applied for several weeks, light therapy or removing the patch. Protecting the skin from the sun helps prevent new ones.
Common signs
- Rough, dry or scaly patches, often easier to feel than see
- Pink, red or brown colour
- Sometimes itching or a prickling feeling
How it is usually diagnosed
- Usually recognised by a doctor examining the skin, often with a dermatoscope
- A biopsy if a patch is thick, painful, bleeding or growing
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Dermatology reports and a body map or photos showing where each patch is
- Biopsy results
- Dates and types of treatment for each area
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which patches need treatment, and which can be watched?
- Which changes should make me come back sooner?
- How often should my skin be checked?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- There are no emergency signs; see a doctor promptly if a patch bleeds, grows quickly or becomes a sore that does not heal
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.