Treatments
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis refers to rough, scaly patches that form on sun-exposed skin after years of ultraviolet (UV) damage. They most often appear on the face, scalp, ears, forearms and hands, and can feel dry, gritty or tender. While individual lesions are benign, a small proportion can progress towards non-melanoma skin cancer if left untreated. That’s why timely actinic keratosis treatment matters. At rtwskin clinic in Tunbridge Wells (easily reached from London), our dermatology team provides precise diagnosis and evidence-based care to clear lesions, improve texture and help protect your skin for the long term.
Treatable Areas
Face, scalp, ears, neck, décolletage, forearms, hands, shins.Learn more about
Every patient receives a dermatoscopic assessment to confirm actinic keratosis and rule out mimics such as seborrhoeic keratoses or early skin cancers. We then tailor a plan that may combine targeted lesion therapy with “field treatment” to address the wider zone of sun damage you can’t always see.
Sun-induced rough, scaly lesions on exposed skin (face, scalp, ears, neck, forearms, hands)
Usually none; topical anaesthetic or cooling available
20–45 minutes (varies by method/number of lesions)
Temporary redness, crusting, photosensitivity; rare pigment change or infection
From none (cryotherapy) to ~7–14 days for healing with field/device therapies
Single visit for isolated lesions; courses for field damage
Cleanse gently, protect from sun, use prescribed emollients/barrier care
Which Areas Can It Treat?
- Face & temples:
High-precision approaches smooth crusty patches and blend tone without tell-tale borders.
- Scalp & hairline:
Ideal for men with thinning hair; field therapy covers dispersed lesions across the crown.
- Ears & neck:
Gentle methods avoid chafing on mask straps, collars and spectacles.
- Forearms & hands:
Practical, fast-healing options for frequently exposed skin.
- Décolletage & shins:
Blended techniques reduce flaking and mottled colour on delicate or thin skin.
How It Works
Actinic keratoses arise when UV exposure triggers atypical growth of keratinocytes in the top skin layers. Treatments either remove these altered cells or stimulate immune-mediated clearance, allowing healthy epidermis to regrow. Field therapies (such as prescription creams or light-based options) target the “entire field” of damage, reducing the chance that new rough patches appear beside the one you’ve just treated.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
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Your clinician discusses options and agrees a plan that suits your skin, lifestyle and recovery window. Typical choices include:
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Cryotherapy: A brief freeze thaws the lesion, which sheds over 1–2 weeks.
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Topical field therapy (prescription): A home course that clears visible and subclinical lesions together.
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Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A light-sensitising cream is applied then activated with red or daylight to selectively destroy atypical cells; excellent for facial “fields”.
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Laser and device-based options: Controlled ablation or resurfacing to remove lesions and remodel texture where appropriate.
For isolated patches we may combine modalities in one visit. Comfort measures (cooling air, topical anaesthetic) keep procedures well-tolerated.
What Problems Does the Service Solve
Treatment reduces roughness, scaling and soreness; prevents snagging on clothing; and addresses the aesthetic impact of sun damage that can undermine confidence. Medically, clearing actinic keratoses lowers the cumulative risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma. Many patients also appreciate the fresher, more even look to the complexion after field therapy.
Long-Lasting and Effective Results
Once a lesion is cleared, it should not return; however, chronically sun-exposed skin can form new actinic keratoses over time. That’s why we emphasise long-term SPF habits and periodic skin checks. Patients often find their actinic keratosis before and after photographs reassuring: texture becomes smoother, the “gritty” feel resolves, and makeup or shaving sits better on treated areas.
Clear Results, Real Benefits
- Consultant-led diagnosis and dermatoscopy
- Choice of lesion-targeted and field therapies
- Options with minimal downtime for face and hands
- Cosmetic blending for natural results
- Reduced future risk through proactive field care
- Clear written aftercare and prevention plan
- Treatment staged to your diary and season
- Integrated follow-up and skin-check reminders
Treatment Process
Consultation & mapping: Dermatoscopy confirms diagnosis and charts all lesions.
Plan & consent: We agree priorities (comfort, downtime, season).
Treatment: Cryotherapy, cream course, PDT, or laser/device care as indicated.
Protection: Soothing ointment; SPF guidance.
Review: Follow-up to assess clearance and discuss prevention.
Maintenance: Skin-check schedule; at-home sun-safe routine.
Aftercare and Prevention
New and Established Options
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Evidence-based standards remain cryotherapy, field creams and PDT. Where appropriate, we also discuss new treatment for actinic keratosis pathways, such as daylight-PDT protocols for comfort and coverage, or selective device-based resurfacing to blend tone and texture in photo-aged fields.
Laser and Light Choices
When texture and tone need additional refinement, laser treatment for actinic keratosis or PDT can be considered. Fractional passes resurface the upper layers and encourage even re-epithelialisation; actinic keratosis laser treatment may be paired with field creams to address both visible lesions and the “background” of UV damage. Your clinician will advise what best fits your skin tone and healing profile.
Dr. Fatima made sure I felt comfortable and calmed my nerves when I went for a mole check and removal. Dr. Fatima provided an easy, pleasant experience and was lovely – I would recommend her to everyone! Thank you!
-Anca
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Why Choose rtwskin
Patients comparing actinic keratosis (UK) options choose rtwskin for consultant-led diagnosis, hospital-grade devices and a blended medical-aesthetic approach that values both safety and appearance. We’re also a one-stop centre for related benign concerns, so if your assessment reveals look-alikes, we can advise on Seborrheic Keratosis or Sebaceous hyperplasia management and sequencing within the same overall plan.
If you’ve been searching for keratosis actinic treatment or considering actinic keratosis removal, our specialists will build a plan that fits your skin, diary and goals — from quick cryotherapy to comprehensive field care. We provide clear explanations, realistic timelines and supportive follow-up so you can see the difference in your skin and comfort.
We welcome patients from Brighton, Eastbourne, Maidstone, Hastings, Surrey, East Grinstead, Uckfield, Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and London — wherever you’re travelling from, you’ll find expert care and a warm welcome at rtwskin.
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