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The FDA was slow to approve topical NSAIDs like diclofenac (Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel) for pain and inflammation. People in Canada, Australia, Italy and England have been using this drug for years without a prescription. Americans were restricted to oral NSAIDs (Advil, Aleve, etc) which have lots of serious side effects. Read about them at this link. What has been overlooked in all the discussions about topical diclofenac for arthritis is that there is some evidence this NSAID might have another use. Some readers have considered using Voltaren Gel for actinic keratosis.
What Is Actinic Keratosis?
Do you have a scaly patch of skin on your face, scalp or neck that won’t go away? What about a rough, dry spot on your hands or arms? Is it crusty and itchy? Does it sometimes bleed without a lot of trauma to the spot? Such symptoms could be an indication of a precancerous skin lesion called actinic keratosis. Such growths are almost always a result of long-term sun exposure.
Dermatologists can freeze the lesions (cryotherapy). Another option involves laser surgery. Topical chemotherapy with medications like topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), ingenol gel (Picato), imiquimod cream (Aldara, Zyclara) or topical tirbanibulin (Klisyri).
Could Voltaren Gel Help Banish Actinic Keratoses?
Q. I’ve had several slightly annoying skin changes on my face and ears. My doctor says they are pre-cancerous lesions from sun exposure and shrugs his shoulders.
As I see it, “pre-cancerous lesions” could become cancer. So, when I found an article about diclofenac as an anti-cancer agent, I started applying Voltaren Gel to my actinic keratoses. Some are clearing up.
A. Thank you for providing the link to the article in eCancerMedicalScience (Jan. 11, 2016). Dermatologists consider topical diclofenac less effective against actinic keratoses than some of their more potent treatments, such as freezing, lasers, 5-fluorouracil or photodynamic therapy (Archives of Dermatological Research, July 2023). On the other hand, Voltaren Gel is available without a prescription. Be sure to have your annoying spots examined by a dermatologist before you start treating them yourself.
Why Would a Dermatologist Recommend Voltaren Gel for Actinic Keratosis?
Q. What can you tell me about Voltaren Gel? I know that people can now buy this pain reliever without a prescription for joint pain. My dermatologist says it can also treat precancerous actinic keratosis that results from too much sun exposure. Why don’t people know about this?
A. Topical diclofenac (Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel) was approved for over-the-counter use a year ago. The FDA considers it appropriate for relieving osteoarthritis pain in joints like knees and hands (but not for spine, hips or shoulders).
We were intrigued by your dermatologist’s statement about using Voltaren Gel for actinic keratosis. A German study found that three months of treatment with diclofenac and hyaluronic acid (Solaraze) normalized metabolism and improved immune response (Frontiers in Oncology, July 3, 2019). However, the study treatment contained 3 percent diclofenac rather than the 1 percent available in OTC Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel.
Solaraze is a prescription-strength diclofenac gel containing 3% diclofenac. That makes it three times stronger than OTC Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel. It has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of actinic keratosis.
Although this product is stronger than Voltaren Gel for actinic keratosis, it is not a magic bullet. Clinical trials suggest an effectiveness rate of roughly 30-47 percent after two to three months of treatment.
Castor Oil for Actinic Keratosis:
Readers of our syndicated newspaper column often share home remedies. One that has come up a couple of times is topical castor oil vs. actinic keratosis. Here is a link to an article you may find intriguing. A woman shares a story about her husband’s actinic keratosis. His dermatologist actually recommended castor oil. This reader used a mixture of castor oil and baking soda for actinic keratosis. However, we have found no research documenting the effectiveness of castor oil applied topically to actinic keratoses.
Voltaren Gel for Arthritis?
To learn more about the pros and cons of topical diclofenac for treating inflammation, you may wish to read our eGuide to Alternatives for Arthritis.
Please share your own experience with actinic keratosis in the comment section below.
John
I have tinnitus, and I’ve found that Diclofenac makes my tinnitus much worse in only a short period of time. Even one application increases the volume in my ears after only an hour or so. I tried to use it for my arthritis, and it did help but wasn’t worth the increased volume of the tinnitus.
Marcos
I have used Diclofenac (Spanish name) for some years. It works wonders on Actinic Keratosis on my hand and forehead, both looked ghastly and bled. I also use it on my bald head where it has also made good progress – I lived above 3,000 meters for 2 years, and in those years you didn’t use protection. I also use it on my wife’s back. She had some nasty brown patches. In less than 6 month they have reduced their size to nearly normal skin.
Ken
I may give the Voltaren gel a try…in tiny dollops. I’m allergic to diclofenac, the active ingredient in Voltaren; it gives me hives. The topical drug is less of a problem so I no longer slather it on my knees.
SuzieQue
I have a spot on my back that itches all the time. I’ve had it frozen off (unsuccessfully) twice by two different dermatologists. A third dermatologist just pooh-pooh it and said it was arthritis of the spine. (Growing out through the skin on the right side of my back? Who licenses these people?) I’m going to try the castor oil. It’s a hard spot to reach though.
Lee
I must reiterate the warning”see your dermatologist first” before self treating. I had a small scaly patch appear in my scalp. Diagnosed as actinic keratosis, the dermatologist froze it. The tiny little scab came back and was frozen twice. The third appearance called for a biopsy. It was squamous cell carcinoma. Mohs surgery took care of it. I’m so glad I refused to ignore or self treat this area. I’m just saying be careful about self diagnoses.
Michael
Tis is Michael again from June 2021. As I mentioned, Voltaron helped for sevweral years, particularly the higher strength type which I was able to obtain from ebay now and then from another country.
What DID eventually remove almost 100% of the growth was a strong mixture of powdered Fenbendazole in the castor oil/zinc cream from Amazon. The removed almost all of it and the pain over a period of a month or so. I had been using voltaran/castor oil/zinc for years.
Scott
Having had scaly scabs on my forehead for over 7 years, no treatment seemed to work. The scabs started to increase in size recently so another trip to the doctor was called for. This time I saw a locum doctor from Taiwan who prescribed Diclofenac sodium gel. Have applied for 2 weeks now and scabs seem more yellow in colour then dropped off to reveal clean skin underneath. For me its seems like a miracle in such a short space of time. Will keep applying to area for another 3 weeks and see doctor to ascertain whether to continue treatment for 3 months as initially advised.
Trish
I have been using inexpensive OTC 10 – 12% Alpha Hydroxy Acid skin cream on my face for years to soften my Irish fair skin, minimize dark spots, and – on one spot on my face – keep control of what is probably Actinic Keratosis which my Dr. has watched for years. We have used in-office freezing of some possible pre-cancerous spots over the years (I’m now 76). But one spot on my right cheek that is reddish, often itchy and scaly. As long as I apply the AHA cream each evening and cover with heavy Sunscreen when I go out, it usually is kept in check. Occasionally it is like a red open wound.
I would like to try using castor oil on that spot. What are the proportions of castor oil and baking soda?
Cindy
Unfortunately there are a lot of warnings and precautions connected with the use of Voltarin. They include stomach problems, liver problems, kidney problems, bleeding problems… the list is fairly long! I recently bought some because my knees are starting to go arthritic due to many many knee injuries over the years… however I also take a massive pile of daily supplements, and I drink my fair share of alcohol (not too much, but almost!) So I sure don’t want to tax my poor liver any more than I already am. Thus I own a nice new tube of Voltarin, opened but unused. (anybody interested? lol)
Michael
I can vouch for castor the oil remedy, solved my problem, solved the itch and rough skin, then disappeared. Later, at my annual skin check I asked my dermatologist and he confirmed it as a effective solution.
Paul
Between sun screen or fishing gloves, long sleeves and a throw away wrist watch that covered it I reduced my skin lesion to just an excess derma cell generator.
Larry
I just buy some salicylic acid – 20 – 30% – gel or liquid and dab on problem area. Will get rid of it in a week or so. Just don’t spread it around the surrounding area. Just on the problem spot.
Judy
I had pain in my right shoulder. Orthopedist diagnosed biceps tendinitis and recommended Voltaren and ibuprofen. Worked quickly and every time I have a flare up, I use it for relief. Works well. Why does it say it’s not for shoulders?
Michael
Saints preserve us! This article looks like it was written just for me! I emailed Joe several times starting at least 5 years ago about Voltaren gel for this problem. AND, somewhere, maybe PP, I have found castor oil too.
They have both helped me a lot, but have never actually cured/removed the actinic spot. They have definitely slowed its progression and made it smaller and less painful. It’s on the top of my ear. Lessons learned:
1. Castor oil is hard to contain, Amazon has a castor oil/zinc ointment which stays where it is put. It is made by Third Day Naturals in NY, USA.
2. The 1% Voltaren gel is very slow to do anything but it is better than nothing. Now and then you can get on ebay the 3% stuff from distant countries before ebay is aware of it.