Actinic Keratoses

Early detection is key in treating these pre-cancerous lesions.

What are Actinic Keratoses?

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are pre-cancerous skin lesions resulting from long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and/or indoor tanning. Because early detection gives you the opportunity to treat the lesion and prevent skin cancer before it starts, it’s important to see your dermatologist immediately if you think you may have actinic keratoses. It’s also important to protect yourself year-round to help prevent further sun damage by seeking shade, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wearing sun-safe clothing, hats, and eyewear.

Symptoms of Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses can vary in size from a tiny spot to as much as an inch in diameter. They often appear as flat to slightly raised, scaly, crusty, or rough patches of skin, sometimes with a raised horn shape or bump.

Because of their rough texture, they are often easier to feel than see; they may feel raw, sensitive and painful, or even itchy with a pricking or burning sensation. Actinic keratoses may be red, tan, pink, flesh-toned, brown or a combination of colours, and frequently appear on sun-exposed areas including the face, lips, ears, scalp, shoulders, neck, back of the hands and forearms.

Almost all actinic keratoses can be successfully removed when properly diagnosed by a skilled dermatologist. A thorough consultation with Dr. Geeta Yadav at Skin Science Dermatology will allow us to assess your skin’s condition and determine the most effective actinic keratoses treatment.

Actinic Keratoses Treatment Options

Topical Treatment

Your treatment plan may include topical treatment of the affected areas. Topical options include Efudex, Imiquimod, and Actikerall.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a quick, in-office procedure that uses extreme cold to rapidly destroy actinic keratoses. Liquid nitrogen is sprayed directly onto targeted skin lesions, freezing them and causing them to slough off while leaving the surrounding area unaffected to minimize the risk of scarring. Learn More

BBL

BroadBand Light uses short blasts of high-intensity light to gently heat the upper layers of your skin to treat sun damage, vascular issues, pigment irregularities, and acne. Your treatment plan may include the use of Levulan or Metvix; medications that are applied to the skin prior to your treatment to aid in targeting abnormal cells. Learn More

Fraxel®

Fraxel® re:store DUAL targets sun damage using microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep to initiate collagen remodeling and synthesis. Essentially, Fraxel resurfaces your skin by stimulating the growth of new, healthy skin cells from the inside out. Learn More

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At Skin Science Dermatology, we value our patient’s time, and strive to run on time. That usually means we can only focus on an area of specific concern during your visit. Should you be unable to keep your appointment, please contact our office at least 24 hours in advance to cancel; failure to do so can result in a $75 fee.

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