Pre-cancerous Sun Spots
Solar Keratoses (‘SunSpots’)
Solar keratosis are also known as sunspots or actinic keratosis.
Sunspots are a pre-cancerous lesion, if not treated some will develop into a Squamous cell carcinoma.
Sunspots (or solar keratosis or actinic keratosis) are rough, scaly spots or patches on skin that has been previously exposed to the sun. They can be reddish brown or skin-coloured, often with white a scale or crust. They may be sensitive with a stinging sensation.
If a solar keratosis becomes tender ,thickened or lumpy get it checked; it may have become a squamous cell cancer.
A person may have a single sunspot, but over time, more usually develop.
Treatment options for Solar keratosis
Cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and kill the precancerous cells.
The treatment stings at the time, then becomes raised and pink and occasionally blisters.
A scab develops after a few days.
The treated area heals in 7-10 days on the face, 14 days on the arms and 2-4 weeks on the legs.
The area normally heals well, however, there is a small risk of leaving a permanent white mark.
Efudix cream (5 Fluorouracil)
Efudix cream is usually applied twice a day for 3 weeks for facial sun spots.
The cream can be applied to individual sun spots or to large facial areas.
When treating a large areas on the face, Efudix treats not only visible sun spots ,but also microscopic ones which are not yet visible.
Efudix has approximately an 80% cure rate.
Cost is approximately $60 from your chemist. A prescription is required.
During treatment the area will become red, crusted and sometimes uncomfortable.
The final cosmetic result is excellent
See link to our Efudix treatment fact sheet
Aldara cream (Imiquimod)
Aldara cream is applied 3 times a week for 16 weeks for solar keratosis.
There is less inflammation compared with efudix, however, the treatment period is longer,16 weeks compared to 3 weeks.
Aldara has a clearance rate of approximately 40-50% for solar keratosis.Cost is approximately $120 from your chemist. A prescription is required.
Solaraze Gel (Diclofenac gel)
Solaraze contains a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
It is applied twice daily to affected areas on the face for about 12 weeks.
There is usually mild inflammation during the treatment, less than Efudix and Aldara.
Solaraze has a clearance rate of approximately 40-50% for solar keratosis.
Cost is approximately $60 from your chemist. A prescription is required.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy is a treatment option for solar keratosis.
PDT has a cure rate of approximately 50-80% for solar keratosis.
Cream is applied to the lesion to be treated for approximately 3hours.
The cream is then activated by exposure to a specific wavelength of light for 10-20minutes.
Often the treatment is repeated 2-4 weeks later.
The advantage of PDT, compared to Aldara and Efudix, is that the red crusted stage is of shorter duration, one to three weeks, rather than three to six weeks.
<p”>The cost of PDT is $600 (compared to $50 for Efudix)
The treatment may be painful.
Read more on PDT under our facilities
Find out more on PDT here
Dermatologists
On an average day Dermatologists find 10 to 20 skin cancers which may have otherwise gone undiagnosed.
Dermatologists are highly skilled and experienced in the detection and treatment of cancer and melanoma, and in the accurate diagnosis and management of diseases of the skin, hair, and nail.
Dr Bonnie Fergie
Dr Bonnie Fergie is a consultant dermatologist and a fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Western Australia….
Dr. John Frew
Dr John Frew is a fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. He completed his medical degree (with Honours) from the University of New South Wales in 2009, followed by a Masters of Medicine in clinical epidemiology in 2011 from the University of Sydney prior to dermatology specialist training. He currently holds a staff specialist position at Liverpool Hospital and is a conjoint associate lecturer at the University of New South Wales….
Dr. David Jenkins
David is a fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
He was acknowledged as a prize winner for achievement in the final exams held by the Australasian College of Dermatologists in 2015. He was awarded the Presidents medal for Dermatological Pharmacology for achieving the highest mark across Australia ...
Dr Rebecca Saunderson
Rebecca Saunderson is a fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatology. Rebecca is interested in complex dermatological cases, medical dermatology and paediatric dermatology, and believes in an holistic approach to patient care….
Dr Benjamin Thompson
Dr Benjamin Thompson is a fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatology. Ben studied medicine at the University of New South Wales, graduating with honours in 2008...
Dr. Karen Stapleton
Achieved the highest mark in Australia in the Final Examination of the Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, 1993.
Awarded the Australasian College of Dermatologists Travelling Fellowship, 1993, enabling her to attend Clinics at the National Institute of Health, USA and the centres in USA.
Recognised as an International Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1999…
Dr Ludi Ge
Dr Ludi Ge completed her Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery at the University of New South Wales, graduating with 1st Class Honours. She has an interest in all areas of dermatology including skin cancer and dermatology surgery...
Dr. Deanna Wong
Fellowship of The Australasian College of Dermatologists, 2002
Awarded Master of Medicine, University of Sydney for Cytokine profile in regressing and non-regressing basal cell carcinoma skin tumours: 1999…
Dr Cathy Zhao
Dr Cathy Zhao is a specialist dermatologist and a fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. Cathy completed her medical degree and a Masters of Science by research (with Scholarship in Atopic Dermatitis) from the University of New South Wales ...
Dr Angelica Tjokrowidjaja
Dr Angelica is a specialist dermatologist and fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. She completed her Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Bachelor of Medical Studies from the University of New South Wales, graduating with Distinctions. A Master of Medicine followed. She gained general medical experience as a medical registrar and successfully completed the physician examinations.
Dr Charlotte Thomas
Dr Charlotte Thomas is a specialist consultant dermatologist and Fellow of The Australasian College of Dermatologists. She completed her medical and physician training in London, UK following 1st Class Honours Degrees in Psychology, Physiology and Philosophy from Oxford University and Medicine from the University of Bristol.
Dr Yvonne Nguyen
Dr Yvonne Nguyen is a specialist consultant dermatologist and Fellow of The Australasian College of Dermatologists. Dr Nguyen completed her medical degree, a Master of Philosophy in Medicine, and a pharmacy degree at the University of Sydney. Dr Nguyen completed her four-year dermatology training in Australia and the United Kingdom. She was selected to complete a Fellowship in London at the University College Hospital London.
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