Our Actinic Keratosis Treatment
Rough, scaly patches on your skin? These could be signs of actinic keratosis, a sun-induced condition that may lead to serious skin issues if ignored. At Placer Dermatology, early treatment can help prevent long-term damage and protect your skin’s health.
What Is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis (plural, keratoses) is a small, rough, precancerous growth of sun-damaged skin. Also caused by repeated use of tanning beds over a long period of time, actinic keratoses usually appear on adults older than 40 who have had sustained exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Actinic keratoses are concerning because if left untreated, some of them can develop into skin cancer. Typically, once an individual actinic keratosis appears, others will follow, putting you at a higher risk.
What Causes Actinic Keratosis?
The biggest risk factor for actinic keratoses is a cumulative build-up of UV damage to the skin, i.e., too much exposure to UV radiation over a long period of time. That’s why people over 40 years of age are most affected. However, the incidence of actinic keratoses continues to rise among younger sun-damaged populations as well.
People with fair skin and those who live in hotter, sunnier places also carry more risk, as do males in general and balding males in particular. Increased sensitivity to UV radiation caused by other skin conditions can also make you susceptible to actinic keratosis.
Who Is at Risk of Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is most common in individuals with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and a history of frequent sun exposure. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, particularly in sunny regions like Roseville, CA, your risk of developing actinic keratosis increases. People over 40, those with a weakened immune system, and those who have experienced multiple sunburns are especially vulnerable to this skin condition. If you think you’re at risk of getting actinic keratosis, consult with a trusted dermatologist like Dr. Artur Henke.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis typically appears as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, and arms. These spots may be pink, red, or brown, and are often raised or crusty. While they might seem harmless, it’s important to have them examined by a dermatologist, such as Dr. Henke at Placer Dermatology & Skin Care Center. Early diagnosis and actinic keratosis treatment can help prevent these patches from progressing.
Preventing Actinic Keratosis
You can lower your risk of developing keratoses by practicing sun safety. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy days. Avoid tanning beds and seek shade during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Wearing protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can also help prevent actinic keratosis.
How Is Actinic Keratosis Treated?
Since AKs are hard to identify, it’s important to have any areas of concern checked out. If our providers discover one or more actinic keratosis lesions on your skin, they may recommend an in-office procedure and periodic treatment to reduce risk of skin cancer. Treatment for AKs may include:
- Cryotherapy
- Chemical peels to remove the top layer of unhealthy skin
- Laser skin resurfacing to remove the outermost layer of skin and destroy AK cells
- Curettage to remove visible AKs surgically
- Photodynamic therapy that uses a special solution and light to destroy unhealthy skin cells
- Topical prescription medications and creams to slowly eliminate AKs
Areas of actinic keratosis often clear with treatment, so it’s important to address them before they become skin cancer.
Placer Dermatology specializes in the treatment and removal of actinic keratosis and has a multitude of products and solutions to create an effective, individualized plan for you.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’ve noticed rough patches on your skin, don’t hesitate to seek professional care. The expert team at Placer Dermatology & Skin Care Center provides effective actinic keratosis treatment in Roseville, CA. Contact Dr. Artur Henke today to schedule your consultation and protect your skin from further damage.