Sunspots which are also known as actinic keratoses or solar keratoses are precancerous spots that occur on the skin with sun damage. They occur in sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, and arms and can also occur on the lower legs, especially in Australia.
Only a small number will progress into skin cancer. Sunspots are seen more often in fair-skinned people who have had a lifetime of sun exposure. They can also be seen in people who are immunosuppressed. This means that the immune system is not functioning as well and this can occur in organ transplant patients who are committed to taking anti-rejection medication.
The treatment of your sunspots will depend on how extensive they are and if they are symptomatic and also if they are a cosmetic concern to you. If you have a few scattered spots, then the first option of treatment is with dry ice. This is also called cryotherapy and is a treatment used by a doctor in a spray form. It causes a mild stinging sensation. The area then becomes red, crusts-up and over the next week to two, the area falls off.
If you have a number of sunspots then field treatment can also be considered. This allows treatment of many spots at one time. There are a few ways that this can be performed and they include with topical 5-FU (Efudix), topical imiquimod (Aldara) and also photodynamic therapy. You may choose to treat only a small area such as your nose or forehead, however more often a full face treatment is appropriate.
Topical 5-FU
Topical imiquimod
Photodynamic therapy
To Make An Appointment
To Make An Appointment
Important Information About Your Appointment
Referral
A valid referral is required from you GP or other specialist to be able to claim Medicare benefits from your consultation.
A referral is not required to consult with our cosmetic dermal therapist.
Registration
A form registering your details, medications and previous medical problems will need to be completed on the day of your appointment prior to your consultation. Please remember to bring a list of current medications with you on the day.
Payment
Settling of your fee is required on the day of consultation.
We accept VISA and MasterCard, EFTPOS and cash payments
Significant cosmetic treatments require payment at the time the procedure appointment is made
Failure to keep appointments
Missed appointments will incur a cancellation fee.
Make up / Clothing
Please remember to remove make up for facial concerns (and remember to bring some makeup to reapply after the consultation)
For consultations where a skin check is required, wearing looser clothing may be helpful or alternatively there are patient gowns available for your use
New Appointments
These appointments can only be made for the Werribee and Richmond locations.
In Ballarat only review appointments are offered.
Cosmetic Treatments
Most cosmetic treatments are only offered at our Werribee location.