Actinic keratosis (AK) is a skin condition caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sunlight or indoor tanning beds. It is characterized by the formation of rough, scaly patches on the skin that can progress to pre-cancerous lesions. Treatment is usually recommended to prevent the AK from becoming cancerous.
The first step in treating actinic keratosis is to protect the skin from further damage from UV exposure. Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be used daily on all exposed skin, and protective clothing should be worn when outdoors. Additionally, avoiding tanning beds and getting regular skin checks from a dermatologist is important.
If the actinic keratosis is already present, there are a number of treatment options available. Topical treatments such as creams, gels, and ointments can be used to reduce the lesions. These medications contain ingredients such as 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, and diclofenac, which cause the lesions to become inflamed and then eventually heal. These treatments usually need to be applied over several weeks.
In more severe cases, cryosurgery (freezing) and laser therapy may be used. Cryosurgery involves freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen, causing them to blister and eventually fall off. Laser therapy uses intense beams of light to target and destroy the abnormal skin cells.
Finally, surgical removal of the AK can also be used. This involves cutting out the lesions and stitching the skin back together. This is usually reserved for large or difficult-to-treat lesions.
In conclusion, actinic keratosis can be successfully treated with a variety of methods depending on the severity of the condition. Regular skin checks and protection from UV exposure are important for preventing further damage. Additionally, topical medications, cryosurgery, laser therapy, and surgical removal can all be used for treating existing lesions.