Actinic Keratosis

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16+ yrs of advanced dermatology & aesthetics

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis or senile keratosis, is a skin condition characterised by rough, scaly patches or lesions that develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin. It is considered a precancerous condition because if left untreated, it can progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Actinic keratosis is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. The UV radiation damages the skin cells, particularly the cells in the outermost layer of the epidermis. This damage leads to the formation of the scaly patches characteristic of actinic keratosis.

Key features of actinic keratosis include:

Appearance: Actinic keratosis often appears as rough, dry, or scaly patches on the skin. The patches can be red, pink, flesh-colored, or a combination of these. They may range in size from a fraction of an inch to an inch or more.
Location: The lesions typically occur on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, backs of hands, forearms, or lips.
Texture: The patches may feel dry and rough, and in some cases, they can be itchy or tender.
While actinic keratosis itself is not cancer, it is important to seek medical attention if you notice any suspicious skin changes. A dermatologist can evaluate the lesions and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Regular use of sunscreen and protective clothing, along with avoiding excessive sun exposure, can help prevent the development of actinic keratosis and reduce the risk of skin cancer. If you suspect you have actinic keratosis or have concerns about changes in your skin, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance.

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Who’s affected by Actinic Keratosis?

They usually develop after the age of 40, in response to many years of sun exposure. People with fair skin who burn easily in the sun are most likely to be affected. Very rarely actinic keratoses can transform into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatments used for Actinic Keratoses include the following:

Freezing with liquid nitrogen (Cryotherapy).
Creams – Courses of creams containing drugs which may include 5- fluorouracil, Ingenol mebutate gel or Imiquimod are useful treatments for actinic keratoses, especially if there are many of them covering a field of skin. Diclofenac and retinoids are other drugs in cream or ointment form that are helpful when applied to milder actinic keratoses.
Laser – may be useful particularly for larger areas of actinic keratosis.
Curettage and Cautery – This requires local injection into the affected skin with anaesthetic, after which the actinic keratosis can be scraped off with a sharp spoon-like instrument (a curette)

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Questions & Answers

Some common questions we get asked about actinic keratosis

Why Choose Linia Skin Clinic?

Located in London’s renowned Harley Street, at LINIA, you can expect to find professional Dermatologists and Aesthetic doctors who will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
Choosing LINIA means you’ll see the best doctors in their field, whatever procedure you are looking to have performed.
We don’t stop at just your treatment – our experienced nursing and management team are dedicated to making sure that you’re comfortable pre-treatment as well as aiming to deliver the best aftercare at every step of your journey with us.

Who Will I See During My Consultation?

Linia’s london-based skin clinic is run by the Medical Director, Dr Simon Zokaie, BSc MBChB MRCP.
Qualifying from the University of Manchester in 2003, he then underwent his medical training in London. He gained membership to the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) and subsequently spent over four years training in dermatology.
He has practised cosmetic dermatology since and offers his patients a variety of non and minimally invasive treatments to improve the appearance of their skin and to minimise the visible effects of premature skin ageing.
Dr Zokaie will listen to your needs during the consultation and, depending on the best course of action for you, will recommend a suitable treatment. These may include but aren’t limited to topical products, anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers to add volume to parts of the skin, including the lips and cheeks, and lasers, which tighten the skin on the face, jawline and submental area to smooth away wrinkles.
Dr Zokaie is passionate about standards in his practice and ensuring that he is at the forefront of the latest and most effective methods. Along with his day-to-day skin clinic work, he also attends as many conferences and meetings as he can.
You may also meet our medical aesthetician and certified laser technician, Channelle Witter.
With her talent for analysing skin, she’ll determine a successful treatment plan for the best result. She has a proven track record of practising safe, effective, and hygienic aesthetics at skin clinics.

Can I Trust Linia Skin Clinic?

With our years of professional experience and medical qualifications, you can trust that you’ll get the best result and care possible with Linia Skin Clinic.
Don’t just take our word for it. Please take a look at the independent five-star reviews we’ve gained from our satisfied customers.
You can see what all of our happy, verified clients had to say about Linia Skin Clinic

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, with Linia Skin Clinic you can spread the cost of your treatment over 3 months with interest-free payments.

Have any other questions? Get in Touch

What Our Patients Say

For over 15 years, patients have trusted us for expert acne treatments. Here’s what they have to say.

I was referred to Dr. Zokaie for roaccutane treatment to tackle my persistent acne. My skin has changed completely in the past 6 months and never looked better. The atmosphere is very friendly, both Dr Zokaie and his team are very professional. Highly recommend for acne treatment and beauty twickments:)

Ilya Nikishin
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Dr Zokaie has provided me with the best acne treatment he’s very thorough and makes sure I’m getting optimal results. My skin has completely transformed and has never been better. Thank you Dr Zokaie!

Mariam a
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I went to see a lot of other dermatologist and unfortunately I didn’t see any results from their treatments. Linia and doctor Zokaie were recommended to me by a friend. I am so happy I went to see them the whole team is very professional and his treatment plan has really helped and I feel very confident about my skin. I highly recommend him and his team

Ariel Mansouri
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I visited doctor Zokaie for the baby face procedure and I have to say he is excellent. The service was wonderful. My face was a bit red at first but within a few hours the redness went away. I could already see the results. I am very very happy. The staff was amazing as well.

Ania
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Sam Innes

11 months ago

Dr Zokaie is brilliant and I've already seen impressive results with my acne and scars. Looking forward to seeing the final results!

Sir Ambers

11 months ago

Years of severe acne left marks on my cheeks. After three laser sessions with Dr Zokaie, I can see noticeable improvement. Rasa made each session comfortable and gave detailed aftercare advice. I feel like my confidence has returned and I can finally enjoy seeing my face without makeup.

raymond kim

11 months ago

It is my first time to visit you, I quite enjoyed your quick response to my problem, I take action henceforth. Mmenipa mwanga mzuri, thanks

Jayda McCormick

11 months ago

I struggled with adult acne for years and tried so many treatments without success. At Linia Skin, Dr Zokaie personalised a Roaccutane plan for me. Monthly check-ins, blood tests, and advice from Rasa made me feel safe and supported. Within a few months, my skin is clear, and I finally feel confident in my own skin🙏

Ilya Nikishin

11 months ago

Azmain Gazi

12 months ago

i booked a mole check at Linia Skin after putting it off for months. The appointment was efficient, Dr Zokaie was thorough, and Rasa ensured I was comfortable. The mole was examined and removed quickly, leaving a barely visible scar. I left feeling reassured and cared for"

Sophie Becher

12 months ago

Lez Coupland

12 months ago

Lovely clinic, Dr. Zokaie really helped me get ride of my acne, very grateful as I was suffering with it for a long time!

maddie bruce

12 months ago

I found Linia skin clinic during the pandemic and they have been incredible offering virtual consultations, support and finally the right prescription that has actually cleared up my acne! I can’t recommend Dr Zokaie enough- he is kind, understanding and makes sure you’re on the right track with everything. His knowledge on skin has taught me a lot and I’m so glad to have him as my dermatologist!

James

12 months ago

The whole experience was great, strong attention and follow up Dr Zoiake was extremely helpful and accompanied me throughout the whole course of my Roaccutane treatment, its been more than a month since we stopped the treatment with no acne breakouts so far !