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The condition

Rough Patches

What are precancerous skin lesions?

Precancerous skin lesions are damaged areas of skin that may develop into cancer if not treated. They can appear as rough, scaly patches, red or brown spots, or atypical moles. Sun exposure is the leading cause, but ageing and genetics can contribute, as well. Some examples are actinic keratoses and Bowen’s disease. These spots aren’t cancer yet, but they are a warning sign. By keeping your skin healthy and through early detection, you can prevent any complications from it like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell skin cancer

Multiple types of precancerous skin lesions

  • Actinic keratosis (AK): It is mostly the result of too much sun exposure over time. UV rays from sunlight damage skin, particularly in fair or sensitive skin types
  • Bowen’s disease: Usually associated with years of sun damage, though it can also be caused by some viruses such as HPV or previous exposure to toxic chemicals like arsenic
  • Leukoplakia: Primarily due to smoking or chewing tobacco. It can also occur due to chronic irritation within the mouth, such as from sharp teeth or improperly fitted dentures
  • Actinic cheilitis: This one affects the lips and is most often caused by years of sun exposure. It is more common among people who work indoors or spend a lot of time outdoors
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Condition: Precancerous Skin Lesions
Contents

 Symptoms

 When to See a Doctor

 Causes

 Risk Factors

 Complications

 Prevention

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The symptoms

New or changing spots
  • New bumps, spots or patches that develop suddenly.
  • Moles that are changing in size, shape or color.
  • Sores that do not heal or that keep returning.
Rough or scaly patches
  • Itchy or bleeding dry, red or scaly areas.
  • Changing or bleeding wart-like growths.
Other signs
  • White, pink, red or brown discolored spots.
  • Projected or flat regions with a coarse texture.
  • Lumps that are hard, scaly lips, or sores in the mouth.
  • Sores forming on old scars.
When to see a doctor?
Consultation Is The Key
When should you be worried?

If you see a new spot, bump, or mole that wasn’t there before, it’s a good idea to monitor it. Any change to the skin that appears atypical, as well as any patch that feels different from your other skin, warrants a visit to the doctor. Getting to the doctor early can not always, but often prevent problems from becoming serious, so if something feels wrong do not delay.

The causes
What causes precancerous skin lesions?

This condition is caused by damage to the DNA located in your skin cells, which in turn can result in your cells growing and dividing in an abnormal way. Normally, some genes regulate how cells grow, survive and divide, and also prevent them from living too long or dying when they should. However, when DNA becomes damaged, these genes can stop doing their jobs, allowing cells to grow uncontrollably, potentially resulting in cancer over time.

Common causes of DNA damage:

  • Ultraviolet, or UV rays, from the sun can damage skin cells.
  • The artificial UV light from tanning beds damages skin just like the sun.
  • High-energy radiation can cause DNA damage.
  • Chemicals in skin products might damage the DNA in skin cells.
  • Repeated irritation over a long period of time increases the risk of damage.
  • A weakened immune system cannot repair damaged cells properly.
The risk factors
What increases the risk of precancerous skin lesions?

A variety of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the risk of precancerous skin.

  • Personal traits and history: Those with fairer skin, hair, and eyes, or sensitive skin types that burn easily, freckle, or mole easily, are at higher risk. Also smoking and a family history of developing skin cancer also raise the odds. It is more common in older adults.
  • UV radiation: UV rays from the sun or tanning beds damage skin DNA, and when the body can’t repair that damage it can lead to precancerous growths.
  • Viral infections: Certain infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), can lead to abnormal cell growth and trigger precancerous skin.
  • Genetic conditions: Conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), which limits repair of DNA damage from sunlight, greatly increases the risk of skin and eye cancer.
The complications
Hidden Dangers
Can it be a serious problem?
  • The greatest risk is that these lesions can become skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
  • If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other areas of the body, making treatment more difficult.
  • Some lesions may leave scars or a change in the appearance of your skin following treatment.
  • The lesion can become infected if scratched or irritated.
The prevention
Sun Damages Skin
Why is it important to protect ourselves from the sun?

The main cause of various skin lesions is excessive exposure to the sun. Protecting the skin helps prevent skin damage that may lead to precancerous skin changes.

How to stay safe?

Make sunscreen a daily routine for sun protection, apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher even if it’s cloudy, and wear hats and sunglasses to help shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

Avoid Tanning Beds
Why is it harmful?

Tanners cause skin damage by emitting high levels of harmful UV radiation linked to precancerous lesions and skin cancer.

Long-term risk of tanning beds use

Regular use of tanning beds takes a toll on skin, accelerating the ageing process, and increasing risk of skin cancer, so you definitely should pass on tanning beds.

Regular Skin Checks
How can skin checks help with prevention?

Regularly checking your skin allows you to catch abnormal changes in their early stages, when it is easier to treat precancerous lesions before they develop into something more malignant.

What to keep in mind?

Look for new spots or moles, or any changes in size, shape, or color. If you notice something unusual, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices
How important is a healthy lifestyle?

Eating a good diet, exercising and not smoking keep your skin healthy and more able to withstand the wear and tear that could lead to precancerous lesions.

Habits to avoid

Do not smoke and limit your alcohol as these are known to weaken the skin increasing the risk to damage and skin diseases.

Wear Protective Clothing
How does it help?

Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and long sleeves also provide coverage against harmful UV rays, protecting your sun exposed areas from the sun.

Kind of clothing that works best

Go for tightly woven fabrics and darker colors, and seek out clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) labels.

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    Why is it important to protect ourselves from the sun?
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    Why is it harmful?
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    How can skin checks help with prevention?
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    How important is a healthy lifestyle?
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    How does it help?
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Clare Ramsell

Clare Ramsell

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Very friendly staff and helpful doctor. Highly recommend.

23rd June 2025

Debra Rosenberg

Debra Rosenberg

★★★★★

Brilliant. Have been coming here for years!

20th June 2025

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Alex Lipitch

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Dr Omar treated me and was super. Thank you!

9th June 2025

The Olive Branch LDN

The Olive Branch LDN

★★★★★

Wonderful first experience here- thanks so much Dr Stark!

16th May 2025

John

John

★★★★★

Very calming and professional

12th May 2025

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Rhea Sahans

Rhea Sahans

★★★★★

Excellent service by Dr Stark

14th May 2025

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Anna Zhang

Anna Zhang

★★★★★

Very good

12th May 2025

Sinead McCann

Sinead McCann

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Great experience with Dr Omar. Highly recommend

9th May 2025

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Joshua Hagley

Joshua Hagley

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Fantastic service. Dr Omar was very kind and helpful.

9th May 2025

David Perkins

David Perkins

★★★★★

Saw Dr Omar who was great, friendly and professional.

24th March 2025

61,329

Happy patients served.

61,329

Happy patients served.

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