Actinic keratoses (AKs) are patches of scaly or crusty skin on the face, scalp, lips, ears, neck, forearms, and backs of the hands, caused by long-term sun exposure. These growths are not cancerous, but if left untreated, they could become cancerous. So, the question is, can actinic keratosis go away without treatment?
Can Actinic Keratosis Go Away Without Treatment?
The short answer is, no, actinic keratosis will not go away without treatment. If left untreated, AKs can increase in size, number, and become more difficult to treat. Furthermore, they can progress to a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Treatment Options
Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to treat actinic keratosis. These treatments include topical medications, cryotherapy, laser treatments, and surgery. Topical medications, such as imiquimod cream, can help reduce the size of AKs and reduce the risk of progression to SCC. Cryotherapy is a procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected area and remove the AKs. Laser treatments use lasers to target and destroy AKs. Surgery is another option for treating larger AKs.
Prevention
The best way to prevent actinic keratosis is to limit sun exposure and use sunscreen regularly. It’s important to wear protective clothing, such as a hat and long pants, when spending time outdoors. Additionally, it’s important to have regular skin checkups with a healthcare provider to monitor any changes in the skin.
In conclusion, actinic keratosis cannot go away without treatment. Therefore, it’s important to seek treatment for AKs to reduce the risk of progression to skin cancer. Additionally, it’s important to protect the skin from sun exposure and have regular skin checkups.