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

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 3

what are some over-the-counter treatments for 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.

Question 4

what is actinic keratosis?

Accepted Answer

Pre-cancer: Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancerous skin lesion. It's a scaly area that feels sharp, like sandpaper or a glass shard, when you rub your finger over it. If untreated, it can become a squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. It is usually from sun damage. To treat it, liquid nitrogen or a cream called effudex is applied. Avoid sun exposure to avoid this!

Question 5

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 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

is melanoma the same as actinic keratosis?

Accepted Answer

No.: An actinic keratosis is a premalignant lesion that may progress to develop into a squamous cell carcinoma. A melanoma is a malignant tumor involving the pigment cells (melanocytes) of the skin.

Question 9

do actinic keratosis look similar to basal cell?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes : Squamous cell cancer the scan usually develops in actinic keratosis and they can look similar usually the squamous cell skin cancer is more thick and can bleed. Basal cell skin cancers have an umbilicated indented area in the center often so they usually don’t look like actinic keratosis

Question 10

can actinic keratosis be scraped clearly off by fingers?

Accepted Answer

Many of them can: Same with seborrheic keratoses / basal cell papillomas. However, you'll never get the base where the mutated cells are. Treat them with excision or topical meds that kill the mutated cells.

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Doctor answers about:

Efudex actinic keratosis

A member asked:

What are symptoms of actinic keratosis?

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Who is at generally risk for actinic keratosis?

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What are some over-the-counter treatments for actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

What is actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

How is actinic keratosis usually diagnosed?

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:

Is melanoma the same as actinic keratosis?

A member asked:

Do actinic keratosis look similar to basal cell?

A member asked:

Can actinic keratosis be scraped clearly off by fingers?

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