What should you know about freezing solar keratosis?

Solar keratosis, also called actinic keratosis, is a rough or scaly area caused by cumulative ultraviolet exposure. It can feel sandpapery and may be easier to feel than see. Cryotherapy applies intense cold to a selected spot, producing redness, swelling, a blister, or a crust as the treated cells are shed. Because some lesions resemble early [Squamous Cell Carcinoma](/conditions/squamous-cell-carcinoma/), examination matters before destruction.

A dermatologist will consider the lesion’s appearance, thickness, location, and whether nearby areas also show sun damage. A single spot may be frozen, while broader or multiple patches may call for [Photodynamic Therapy](/treatments/laser-and-energy/photodynamic-therapy/), [Imiquimod Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/imiquimod-therapy/), or [Topical 5-Fluorouracil](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-5-fluorouracil/). Use sun protection during healing and arrange review if the area does not clear.

Seek review for persistent tenderness, repeated bleeding, a growing or thickening patch, or a sore that fails to heal. These features do not establish cancer, but they warrant examination. A clinician may recommend [Skin Cancer Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-testing/skin-cancer-screening/) or [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/) when the history calls for closer monitoring.

Ask whether the spot needs sampling before freezing, how deep the treatment will be, what healing changes are expected, and whether the surrounding sun-damaged skin needs a field treatment.