These patches are considered pre-cancerous but can develop into skin cancer if left untreated, making them a vital concern for those with a history of sun exposure. People with fair skin, a history of sunburns, or who spend a lot of time in the sun are at a higher risk of developing actinic keratoses.
Prevention and early treatment of actinic keratoses is essential to reduce the risk of skin cancer and improve overall skin health.
Prescription anti-cancer creams such as 5-Fluorouracil (Efudex, Carac) and imiquimod (Zyclara) are highly effective, you can use them at home on your own, and they do not leave scars. However, the affected area can be red and scaly for up to 6 weeks and, in some instances, can be uncomfortable.
Individually destroying each actinic keratosis by freezing it (cryotherapy) or burning it with an electric needle (electrocautery) is also highly effective. Cryotherapy is an easy, quick, in-office treatment. Typically this scabs over for a week and may hurt temporarily. The main negatives are that this may leave white or lighter spots in their place, and this can only treat the individual sites, not a broad area, which may be better for preventing new lesions.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) treats the whole area, usually the entire face, arm, or scalp. It improves the appearance of the skin; unsightliness is generally limited to 2-7 days, such as a red sunburn-like appearance, although peeling may also occur for up to a week. The advantages of this are that you are treating the entire area, which may prevent new AKs from forming. You do need to stay completely out of sunlight for two days following the treatment; a burning sensation may be present for the first 24 hours but occurs in less than 5% of people. At Advanced Dermatology, we specialize in PDT and are at the forefront of PDT research and innovation.
Suppose you have any concerns about skin changes or symptoms of actinic keratoses. In that case, you must speak with a board-certified dermatologist or physician assistant to determine the best treatment for your needs. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the outcome and prognosis for those affected by actinic keratoses.
“I had a PDT treatment to treat my AKs. She even called me the next day to see how I was doing!”
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Advanced Dermatology is the leading aesthetic and medical dermatology practice in the North Shore servicing Glencoe, Lincolnshire and Chicago.
