Actinic Keratoses Treatment in Wah Cantt
Approximately 58 million Americans have one or more spots of actinic keratoses. This precancerous growth is caused by overexposure to the sun or the overuse of tanning beds. AK is more common in people with fair skin. The spots appear as patches or rough dry lesions on areas that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, arms, neck, and hands. These lesions may be flesh-colored, gray, pink, or red. Because actinic keratoses can develop into malignant cells, such as squamous cell carcinoma, prompt medical treatment is important.
Common symptoms of actinic keratoses include:
Rough scaly patches on the skin that is commonly exposed to the sun Stinging, burning, or itchy growths Skin irritation Lesions may be surrounded by irritated, red skin
Actinic keratoses is a precancerous lesion that must be checked by a medical provider, especially if the lesion becomes an open sore, is painful, becomes infected, or increases in size.
Dr Fahim Ehsan Rao
Hair Restoration and Skin Specialist
✔ More then 5 Years Experience✔ Trusted Specialist
Treatment Options For Actinic Keratosis
There are many ways to treat and physically remove these lesions. In some cases, in-office treatment may be needed.
Cryotherapy is a common procedure that involves freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen. Over time, the lesion will fall off and fresh, healthy skin will take its place.
Curettage is another procedure that’s commonly used to remove actinic keratoses. A medical provider will use an instrument called a curette to scrape away the lesion. Electrical current may be used to destroy any remaining portion of the lesion after the scraping is completed.
Topical medications can also be an effective way to remove actinic keratoses. However, topical treatments, such as creams and gels, may cause skin discomfort and redness, and application duration may take several days or weeks to completely remove the lesion. Your medical provider will go over the proper application, frequency of application, and application sites. Consistent treatment will be very important for a successful outcome.
Other treatment options that have a shorter treatment duration can include chemical peels, ablative approaches, and laser treatments. Your medical provider can help you determine the right treatment plan for your unique circumstances.
Can Actinic Keratoses be Cured?
Actinic keratoses are the most common type of precancerous skin lesion. By seeking treatment, a medical professional can assess your skin and determine an effective and safe way to treat AK. Early detection is key to preventing actinic keratoses from evolving into cancer.
Complete Treatment Details
What To Expect During Your Visit
AK can be diagnosed through a skin exam, however, testing may also be required. A medical provider may use use a magnifying lens or light to look for lesions and other growths, searching all over your body, including your scalp, for sun damaged skin. A small sample of your skin may be taken for a biopsy to look for abnormal cells. Any new or unusual skin changes or growths require a medical exam.
When detected early, AK can be treated and managed. Since actinic keratoses can evolve into squamous cell carcinoma, follow-up appointments and managed care are important. Your medical provider will discuss initial treatment options, duration of therapy, and proper treatment regimens. They will also go over what you can do to prevent sun damage in the future, such as the daily use of broad-spectrum water-resistant sunblock.
After your provider has gone over treatment options and prevention, you may need to schedule a follow-up office visit.
