Actinic keratoses are dry, rough skin lesions caused by sun exposure. Dermatologists consider actinic keratosis the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). The prevalence of actinic keratoses typically increases with age.
Actinic keratosis causes
These lesions are most frequently seen on fair skinned people living in sunny climates who have experienced years of sun exposure. Among those prone to the condition, approximately 75 percent exhibit signs of the disease by age 80.
Actinic keratosis treatment
The first step in treating actinic keratoses is to visit a dermatologist and get a proper diagnosis. If you decide to move forward with treatment, it may be for cosmetic reasons, to alleviate symptoms, or to prevent the (possible) progression of skin cancer.
A variety of procedures and products are available to treat actinic keratoses. Some of the most common actinic keratosis treatments include:
- Photodynamic therapy - application of a 'photosensitizing agent' and exposure to intense-pulsed light, causing cell death and subsequent cell turnover.
- Cryosurgery - application of liquid nitrogen to the lesions using a cotton swab
- Curettage - mechanical scraping to remove the lesions, with local anesthesia
- Topical agents - specially formulated chemical peels have been used, as have creams like Fluorouracil, Imiquimod, or Diclofenac.
- CO2 Laser - Fraxel Repair or SmartXide Dot therapy lasers vaporize outer layers of skin
Actinic keratosis products
- Efudex - topical formulation of 5% fluorouracil, typically administered twice daily for a 15-30 days
- Carac - topical formulation of 0.5% fluorouracil which causes less adverse side effects
- Fluoroplex - topical formulation of 1% fluorouracil
- Solaraze - a topical formulation of diclofenac 3% gel
- Aldara - formulation of 5% imiquimod cream
- Retin A - Topical retinoid cream used for treating various skin conditions
Preventing actinic keratoses
Since actinic keratoses are caused by sun overexposure, preventing them is uncomplicated. Here a few easy steps you should take if you are prone to the disease.
- Avoid prolonged sun bathing or tanning beds.
- Wear sunscreen (with a minimum sun protection factor of 15) whenever you are outdoors.
- Wear protective clothing. Hats, long sleeve shirts and sunglasses are recommended.