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Contents
  • Destructive Therapies
  • Topical Treatments
  • Photodynamic Therapy

How Is Actinic Keratosis Treated?

How Is Actinic Keratosis Treated?

The Big Picture

Actinic keratosis can be treated in various ways, depending on the number and severity of the lesions. Learn about the options to take control of your skin health.
Contents
  • Destructive Therapies
  • Topical Treatments
  • Photodynamic Therapy

Destructive Therapies

Destructive therapies physically remove the keratosis from the skin. Cryosurgery, for instance, uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy the lesion. It's quick, usually done in a doctor's office, and doesn't require anesthesia. However, it might cause some temporary discomfort and possible skin color changes.

Topical Treatments

Topical medications are creams or gels applied directly to the skin to treat actinic keratoses. Common options include fluorouracil and imiquimod. These treatments can effectively reduce or eliminate lesions over a period of weeks, but they may cause redness and irritation as they work to clear the skin.
Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by years of sun exposure. It's considered a precancerous skin condition.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the skin, followed by exposure to a specific light source. This process activates the medication, destroying the abnormal cells. PDT is effective but can cause temporary redness and sensitivity to light post-treatment.

FAQs

What is cryosurgery?

Cryosurgery is a treatment that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal skin cells.

Are topical treatments effective?

Yes, they can effectively reduce or eliminate actinic keratoses.

What is photodynamic therapy?

PDT is a treatment combining a special medication and light to destroy abnormal cells.

Can treatments be done at home?

Some topical treatments can be applied at home under a doctor's guidance.

Wrapping Up

Various treatments can effectively manage actinic keratosis, so discussing options with a healthcare provider is crucial.
Try it out by consulting Doctronic about the best treatment plan for you.
Additional References
  1. Werner RN, Stockfleth E, Connolly SM, et al. Evidence- and consensus-based (S3) Guidelines for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2015; 29:2069.
  2. Eisen DB, Asgari MM, Bennett DD, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of actinic keratosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 85:e209.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.