Overview
They feel like sandpaper.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Rough, scaly spot on sun-exposed skin
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA spot that bleeds or grows fast.
See a doctor soonNew rough spots.
Causes
Sun.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
Who is more likely to get it
- Fair skin
- Older age
Possible complications
Diagnosis
A clinician looks.
The exam
Skin check.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Biopsy: If thick or bleeding.
Treatment
Treat and protect.
Self-care
- Use sunscreen daily
- Wear a hat
Medicines
Medicines that may help:
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Creams | Spots | Prescription. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Freezing, creams, or light therapy.
Prevention
- Sunscreen
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Treatable.
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Actinic keratosis (sun damage spot)
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.