Question 1

what are symptoms of actinic keratosis?

Accepted Answer

Actinic Keraotsis: Actinic keratoses arise in chronically sun exposed sites, such as the backs of the hands, forearms and face. They usually present as rough scaly or crusty slightly red bumps on the skin. Sometimes, these lesions can be felt more than they can be seen. A rough patch on a sun exposed area may all that you notice.

Question 2

how can i make actinic keratosis go away?

Accepted Answer

Dermatologist appt: Unfortunately there is no studied over the counter treatment for actinic keratosis (ak). Since ak is a form of precancer, it is important to have it treated before it progresses. There are available treatments through a dermatologist that are effective (some topical, some freezing technique).

Question 3

how is actinic keratosis usually diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Clinical exam: Actinic keratoses are early precancerous lesions caused primarily by sun exposure over time.  They are usually diagnosed by your dermatologist on clinical exam.  In some cases a more advanced lesion may be biopsied to make sure it has not progressed to skin cancer.

Question 4

what does actinic keratosis usually look like?

Accepted Answer

Scaly red papules: Actinic keratosis is a premalignant lesion that over time can evolve into squamous or basal cell carcinomas.  They are usually small persistent crusty or scaly pink-red bumps. These are typically treated with liquid nitrogen destruction or topical creams such as Efudex or aldara (imiquimod).

Question 5

who is at generally risk for actinic keratosis?

Accepted Answer

H/o sunburns: Actinic keratoses are precancerous lesions caused by excessive sun exposure.  The more sunburns you've had, the more risk of developing ak's.

Question 6

do all cases of actinic keratosis turn into scc?

Accepted Answer

No: In fact, relatively few of them do so.  However, if you have been diagnosed with an ak, it is best to make sure you follow the recommended schedule of appointments with the doctor following your skin health. If you notice ulceration, bleeding, itching, or sudden spreading of an ak, get it checked out asap.

Question 7

does all cases of actinic keratosis need freezing?

Accepted Answer

Freeze, 5FU, Aldara (imiquimod): Actinic keratosis (ak) is a premalignant condition caused chiefly by sun exposure. If left untreated, ak can progress to squamous cell cancer of the skin. Treatments of ak include freezing using liquid nitrogen; 5-fu chemo cream; immune modifier cream aldara (imiquimod)...

Question 8

how can i reduce the appearance and the feel of actinic keratosis?

Accepted Answer

None: Unfortunately there is no studied over the counter treatment for actinic keratosis (ak). Since ak is a form of precancer, it is important to have it treated before it progresses. There are available treatments through a dermatologist that are effective (some topical, some freezing technique).

Question 9

is it possible to get actinic keratosis on an area of skin that has had little  sun damage?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It is common on face, scalp and arms, but can oocur on the legs, back or. Chest. Sun is major factor but light skin color and weakened local immune system are also factors. These are treatable with cream, cryosurgery, electrosurgery.

Question 10

is laser actinic keratosis removal possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Actinic keratoses are pre-cancerous skin lesions caused by sun exposure. Various treatments can be used, including liquid nitrogen (freezing), topical creams (imiquimod, fluoruracil, others), curettage (scraping), and medium-depth chemical peels. Laser treatments include co2 laser ablation and photodynamic therapy (laser treatment after application of a medication to the skin).

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Doctor answers about:

Actinic keratosis medication

A member asked:

What are symptoms of actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

How can i make actinic keratosis go away?

A member asked:

How is actinic keratosis usually diagnosed?

A member asked:

What does actinic keratosis usually look like?

A member asked:

Who is at generally risk for actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

Do all cases of actinic keratosis turn into scc?

A member asked:

Does all cases of actinic keratosis need freezing?

A member asked:

How can i reduce the appearance and the feel of actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get actinic keratosis on an area of skin that has had little sun damage?

A member asked:

Is laser actinic keratosis removal possible?

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