Actinic Keratosis

Few people have heard of actinic keratoses, yet it’s one of the most common conditions dermatologists treat. Actinic keratoses need prompt medical attention because they can develop into skin cancer. Brundha Balaraman, MD, and the team at ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY have years of experience helping patients prevent skin cancer by identifying and eliminating precancerous lesions. To schedule a skin exam, call the office located in the Heights and Memorial City in Houston, Texas, or book an appointment online today.

What are actinic keratoses? 

Actinic keratoses are precancerous skin growths that develop over years of exposure to ultraviolet light, either from natural sunlight or a tanning bed. 

These skin lesions are premalignant. But when they go untreated, AKs can develop into the second most common type of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma. 

What symptoms appear if I have actinic keratoses?

Actinic keratoses occur in areas of the face, neck, and hands that receive a lot of sunlight. The lesions typically feel rough and scaly. They can appear pink, red, gray, brown, or skin-colored. In some cases, actinic keratoses may grow out of your skin and resemble a horn. This form poses a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma. 

After you have one actinic keratosis, you have a higher risk of developing others. The more areas of actinic keratoses you have, the more likely you are to develop skin cancer.

How are actinic keratoses treated?

Your provider recommends the best treatment based on factors such as the number and location of your lesions.

Home treatment consists of topical creams. There are several prescription creams available, each working in a different way. For example, some boost your immune system, and others kill fast-growing cancerous cells. 

The actinic keratosis treatment options used in the office include:

1. Cryotherapy

Your provider freezes the lesions, which makes the treated area blister and peel off.

2. Photodynamic therapy

This therapy uses a topical solution followed by red or blue light therapy. The light activates the solution, which eliminates the precancerous lesions.

3. Chemical peels

This is a different chemical peel than those used in rejuvenating skin treatments. This medical-grade peel destroys the area and eliminates the lesion.

Can actinic keratosis turn into cancer?

Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous lesions. If left untreated, AKs can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer.

Since these precancerous lesions are so tricky to spot on your own and may even disappear before reappearing again, it’s imperative to see the team at ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY for regular full-body checkups.

If your provider finds any instances of actinic keratosis on your body, they may suggest a biopsy. Skin cancer is often curable when found and treated early.If you suspect you may have actinic keratosis, immediate action increases your chances of maintaining good health. Call ALLUSTRA DERMATOLOGY or book an appointment online right away.