What are the symptoms of Bowen’s disease?
People with Bowen’s disease may notice:
- A red or brown patch of skin
- Flaky or scaly skin
- Sores that may bleed or crust over
- Patches that do not heal
What causes Bowen’s disease?
The exact cause of Bowen’s disease is not always clear. However, it can be linked to:
- Long-term exposure to the sun
- Weakened immune system
- Exposure to certain chemicals
How common is Bowen’s disease?
Bowen’s disease is not very common. It mostly affects older adults and is more likely to appear in areas of the skin that have had a lot of sun exposure.
Who is more likely to get Bowen’s disease?
Some factors that may increase the risk of developing Bowen’s disease include:
- Being older, especially over 60 years
- Having light skin that burns easily
- Living in sunny areas
- Having a weakened immune system from other conditions
How can I treat Bowen’s disease?
Bowen’s disease can be treated successfully. Treatment options may include:
- Freezing the area to remove the affected skin
- Applying special creams or medications
- Using lasers to destroy the abnormal skin cells
- Minor surgery to remove the patch
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How to prevent Bowen’s disease?
To help prevent Bowen’s disease, you can:
- Limit sun exposure and wear sunscreen
- Wear protective clothing when outside
- Avoid tanning beds
- Regularly check your skin for any changes
How to live with Bowen’s disease?
If you have Bowen’s disease, it’s important to take care of your skin. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help manage the condition and prevent it from coming back.
What support is available for people with Bowen’s disease?
Support may be available from healthcare providers and support groups. These can help you learn more about the condition and how to manage it.
What’s the outlook for Bowen’s disease?
The outlook for Bowen’s disease is generally good, especially with treatment. Most people find that the patches can be successfully removed and do not come back.
Final thoughts
Bowen’s disease is a manageable skin condition. If you are concerned about any skin changes, please speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
