Actinic Keratosis
Treatment for actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition that can develop into skin cancer if left untreated.
Actinic Keratosis
Solid Tumors
Overview
Treatment for actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition that can develop into skin cancer if left untreated.
When to Consult
If you notice rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of skin.
What to Bring
Previous skin biopsy reports, photographs of affected areas, and list of medications.
Risk Factors
Causes
Treatment Options
Topical Medications
Prescription creams and gels containing 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), imiquimod, or diclofenac sodium. These medications destroy abnormal cells and are effective for treating multiple actinic keratoses over larger areas of skin.
Cryotherapy
Freezing treatment using liquid nitrogen to destroy actinic keratosis lesions. Quick, effective procedure performed in-office, typically causing the lesion to blister and fall off within days.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Combination of a photosensitizing agent applied to the skin followed by exposure to a specific wavelength of light. Effective for treating multiple lesions, particularly on the face and scalp.
Chemical Peels
Application of chemical solutions (trichloroacetic acid) to remove the top layers of damaged skin, allowing new healthy skin to grow. Useful for treating multiple actinic keratoses.
Curettage and Electrodessication
Scraping off the lesion with a curette followed by cauterization to stop bleeding and destroy remaining abnormal cells. Effective for thicker or more persistent lesions.
Laser Therapy
Ablative laser treatment to remove actinic keratoses by vaporizing the damaged skin layers. Precise method that can treat multiple lesions with minimal damage to surrounding healthy skin.