A pragmatic primary care approach to the patient with significant solar damage

Background Australian general practice patients commonly have significant solar damage. This can lead to the manifestation of actinic keratoses (AKs) as discreet lesions or as field disease, with these lesions potentially giving rise to keratinocyte cancers (KCs). Therefore, a pragmatic approach is needed to assess and manage these higher-risk patients. Objective This article discusses an approach to managing patients with significant solar damage from a primary care perspective, focusing on the assessment and treatment of AKs as individual lesions and within a field. Discussion Significant solar damage is typified by the presence of AKs, commonly seen as field disease. Several field treatment modalities are available for patients. Treatment options need to be tailored to the individual patient and site of disease to maximise adherence and efficacy.