Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin condition caused by long-term sun exposure, resulting in rough, scaly patches that can potentially develop into skin cancer if left untreated. At Ava MD, our team of expert dermatologists specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratosis, offering personalized care to ensure your skin’s health and safety. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and a patient-centered approach, we provide effective treatment options to manage and prevent the progression of actinic keratosis. Learn more about how Ava MD can help you maintain healthy, radiant skin by exploring our comprehensive AK treatment services.
What is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis or sun-induced lesions, is a precancerous skin condition characterized by rough, scaly patches or lesions on sun-exposed areas of the skin. AK typically develops as a result of long-term sun exposure and UV radiation damage, and it is considered a precursor to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.
Causes: The primary cause of Actinic Keratosis is cumulative exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. Factors such as fair skin, advanced age, history of sunburns, and living in sunny or high altitude regions can increase the risk of developing AK.
Symptoms: Actinic Keratosis presents as dry, rough, scaly, or crusty patches or lesions on areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, ears, neck,arms, and legs. These patches may vary in color from pink to red to brown, and they may feel tender, itchy or sensitive to the touch.
At Ava MD, our experienced providers specialize in diagnosing and treating complex skin conditions like Actinic Keratosis. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, combining medical expertise with advanced therapies to manage and improve your condition effectively.
Treatment Options for Actinic Keratosis
If you have one or more actinic keratoses (AKs), it’s typically a sign of skin damage that puts you at a high risk for developing skin cancer. Identifying and treating these precancerous lesions helps you reduce that risk. Your treatment options depend on how many lesions you have, where they are, your age and overall health. Depending on the condition of your skin, your Ava MD provider may recommend:
- Topical Treatments
- Topical Creams: Prescription-strength topical creams or gels containing ingredients like imiquimod, fluorouracil (5-FU), diclofenac, or ingenol mebutate may be applied to the affected areas to help eliminate abnormal skin cells and promote healing.
- Cryotherapy
- Liquid Nitrogen: Cryotherapy involves freezing the affected areas with liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal skin cells. This procedure is quick, effective, and commonly used for treating individual AK lesions.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
- Light-Based Treatment: Photodynamic therapy combines the application of a photosensitizing agent with targeted exposure to light to destroy AK lesions. PDT is particularly useful for treating widespread or multiple AK lesions on the face and scalp.
- Excision or Curettage
- Surgical Removal: In cases where AK lesions are thick or resistant to other treatments, surgical excision or curettage (scraping) may be performed to remove the abnormal skin growths.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your Actinic Keratosis concerns and discover how we can help you effectively manage and treat this common skin condition. As AK can develop into cancer, it is imperative that you take the first step towards healthier, sun-protected skin with expert care from Ava MD.
Contact Us
Our experienced dermatology team at Ava MD is here to help you explore the best treatment options for your skin health and aesthetic goals. We have helped countless patients achieve the results they deserve. For more information on how we can help you, call us at 310-843-9915 (Beverly Hills) or 310-828-2282 (Santa Monica) and schedule a consultation with us today.