Actinic keratosis, or AK occurs when the skin is damaged by ultraviolet rays, either the sun’s or a tanning salon’s. It’s a dry, scaly area on the skin, and though it seems harmless, an AK needs to be looked at and monitored by a dermatologist. AKs can be precursors to squamous cell skin cancer.
Treatments For Actinic Keratosis
Fortunately, there are several good treatments for AK. Among them are:
- Chemical Peel
This isn’t the same kind of chemical peel used cosmetically. With this medical dermatology treatment, the dermatologist applies a strong chemical to the area of the AK, which destroys it as it destroys the very top layers of the patient’s skin. Though the treatment isn’t particularly comfortable, the area is soon replaced by layers of healthy skin. The AK can also be removed through laser, which destroys the precancerous cells but does not damage the normal cells around it. - Cryosurgery
This treatment destroys the AK through freezing, and is the most popular treatment for AK. - Curettage
In curettage, the actinic keratosis is removed with a curette, then the area is electrocauterized to make sure that the diseased cells are destroyed. As with a chemical peel, healthy skin grows over the area, though it may leave a small scar. - Photodynamic Therapy
The dermatologist applies a light-sensitive chemical to the AK and then exposes it to a special light. This destroys the AK.
All of these treatments can be done in the dermatologist’s office.
Topical Treatments
The doctor can also prescribe medications to get rid of actinic keratoses. These are creams and gels that are applied topically. One of them is diclofenac sodium gel. The patient applies this gel to the AK twice a day for up to three months. This gel is often used with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that keeps skin hydrated.
Another topical medication is 5-fluorouracil. This is actually a type of chemotherapy drug that is also used twice a day for up to about a month. It does cause the skin to redden and crust over, but its effectiveness makes it one of the most popular topical treatments for AK.
Imiquimod cream works by stimulating the patient’s own immune system to create interferon, a substance that attacks and destroys AK.
Contact Us At OC Skin Institute
Residents of Orange County, CA who are worried about actinic keratosis should call our offices today for a consultation.