Actinic Keratosis

Understanding Actinic Keratosis and Its Risks

Actinic Keratosis presents as rough, scaly patches on the skin, typically developing in areas that have experienced extensive sun exposure. These lesions are most commonly found on the face, ears, neck, lips, forearms, and the backs of the hands.

Individuals with a light complexion, blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes, and a history of significant sun exposure are at a higher risk for Actinic Keratosis. People who spend a lot of time outdoors are also more susceptible. This condition is most frequently seen in individuals aged forty and older.

Actinic Keratosis is considered a precancerous skin condition and requires treatment by a dermatologist. Regular visits to the experts at Keystone Dermatology Partners can help prevent Actinic Keratosis from progressing to more severe skin conditions. Early detection and treatment are essential for effective management.

At Keystone Dermatology Partners, your skin’s health and well-being are our top priorities. Our team of experienced professionals provides comprehensive care and preventive strategies to address Actinic Keratosis. Through consistent monitoring and treatment, we aim to prevent the development of more serious skin concerns. Rely on our skilled dermatologists to support you throughout your skin health journey, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Schedule an appointment online for a skin exam today.

You can prevent actinic keratosis by following these general sun exposure guidelines:

• Avoid the sun during midday.
• Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Make sure the sunscreen targets both UVA and UVB rays.
• Wear hats and sunglasses, and cover your body when exposed to direct sunlight.
• Avoid artificial tanning using tanning beds.

Actinic keratosis may be treated in the following ways:

• Excision: The lesion may be removed from the skin using a scalpel.
• Cauterization: the lesion is burned with an electric current.
• Cryotherapy: the lesion is treated with liquid nitrogen or another cryosurgery solution that freezes the cells. After treatment, the area will simply scab and fall off.
• Topical Medical Therapy: Actinic keratosis may be treated with topical treatments like 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod and ingenol mebutate.
• Phototherapy: a solution is applied over the area and exposed to laser light, which kills the cells. The prescription medications used in phototherapy include aminolevulinic acid and methyl aminolevulinate cream. If phototherapy is chosen, it will be referred out.

Post-treatment recovery time will vary based on the number of actinic keratoses and their size. The exact treatment modality used will also play a role. Actinic keratosis is extremely treatable, and most spots disappear over time.

To avoid the recurrence of actinic keratosis, it is best to avoid further sun damage and exposure to UV rays. Only 10% of actinic keratosis spots develop into skin cancer. However, it is advisable to check for any abnormal growths around the face, neck, ears, arms, and hands as a preventive technique.