Actinic keratosis is a common skin condition. That is marked by scaly, rough patches on the skin. It is known as solar keratosis. As it is caused by long-term exposure to sunlight.
Actinic keratosis appears on areas of the body. That are exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, and arms.
It is more found in fair-skinned people and those over the age of 40.
Actinic keratosis may start off as small, rough spots on the skin that can range in color from pink to brown or gray. As it progresses, these spots may become thicker and develop a crusty texture. In some cases, actinic keratosis may also cause itching or burning sensations.
While actinic keratosis itself is not considered to be harmful or cancerous, it can sometimes develop into a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, it is important to have any suspicious spots on the skin checked by a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Age spots is caused by UV radiation exposure. You are more likely to develop this condition in the following circumstances:
Age spots are medically harmless and don't need to be treated. However, they may be removed or lightened for cosmetic purposes. Your dermatologist might suggest one of these treatments for eliminating age spots: lightening or removing them.
Liquid nitrogen is used in cryotherapy to freeze a skin spot. Cryopen is used to treat non-cancerous or pre-cancerous skin lesions. It can take up to 10 days for the treatment to heal, and there is usually no visible scarring.
Using the Cryopen to remove sunspots is incredibly effective. Actinic keratosis treatment can begin the same day as the initial consultation. Cryopen is safe and FDA approved.
On the brown spot, N 2O is evenly sprayed for 5 seconds at temperatures of –89°C. If you use this method, the sun/age spot will be destroyed because it will freeze and destroy the top layer of the skin.
In just a few days after treatment, a very thin scab will form on the affected area.
The scab will make it appear as if the brown spot has darkened in colour. However, once the scab falls off, it will reveal fresh new skin. Usually, only one treatment is required.
When it comes to unwanted skin growths, Cryopen is a non-invasive, safe treatment.
However, as the skin tissue is frozen and thawed, you may feel a stinging sensation during and after the treatment.
For some, this sensation may only last for a few hours after treatment, especially if multiple lesions have been treated in the same area.
To relieve the pain after Actinic keratosis treatment, apply a mild analgesic ointment.
Try to avoid sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m, to prevent future lentigines (sunspots).
You should always wear sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection when going outside in the sun. Especially after Actinic keratosis treatment.
Also, wear sun-protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin.
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds. Characterized by rough, sandpaper-like patches on the skin, AK typically appears on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, bald scalp, forearms, and backs of hands.
These patches may start small but can develop into precancerous lesions, increasing the risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Early treatment is essential to prevent this potential transformation.
AK develops due to chronic UV exposure, which damages the skin cells, particularly the keratinocytes. People with a weakened immune system, fair skin, or a history of UV exposure are at higher risk. Understanding these factors reinforces the importance of sun protection and routine skin monitoring.
There are various strategies for actinic keratosis treatment, each tailored to the severity, location, and the patient’s overall health. Here’s a breakdown of the most effective treatment options:
Topical Treatments
These are commonly prescribed in cases of widespread or numerous lesions. Medications like imiquimod cream (e.g., Zyclara and Carac), fluorouracil, and diclofenac gel work by targeting and destroying abnormal cells. While effective, these treatments can cause side effects such as redness, peeling, and swelling of the treated area during drug administration.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
PDT is an advanced treatment that combines a light-sensitive drug with exposure to red light. It targets and destroys damaged cells while leaving surrounding healthy skin intact. After treatment, avoiding UV rays is crucial to protect the treated skin and ensure proper healing.
Cryopen actinic keratosis treatment
For individual lesions, procedures like cryosurgery (freezing lesions with liquid nitrogen) or laser surgery can effectively remove damaged cells. Although quick, these methods can sometimes result in crusting, scarring, or temporary redness.
Skin Biopsy and Excision
If your healthcare provider suspects a lesion could be cancerous, they may perform a skin biopsy, examining the tissue under a microscope. For confirmed cases, excision may be necessary to completely remove the lesion.
Actinic Cheilitis Treatment
AKs on the lips, known as actinic cheilitis, require special care. Treatments like cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, or topical applications can be used to address these delicate areas.
Preventing AK and its recurrence starts with consistent sun protection. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Protective clothing, hats, and limiting UV exposure can further safeguard your skin. Post-treatment care also includes monitoring the treated area for signs of skin cancer, such as persistent redness, swelling, or unusual changes.
Consult your primary care provider or dermatologist for personalized guidance and regular check-ups. An office visit could make all the difference in identifying AK early and managing it effectively. Taking these steps is the best way to maintain healthy, cancer-free skin.