What is actinic keratosis, and what treatment options are available? At drs skincare Hamilton, ON
Scaly, dry, or rougher patches, Pink or red discoloration, Burning or itching growth, A wart-like surface that is hard to the touch
Several conditions can impact the skin and body, and Dr. Rahul Shukla and the team at drs skincare in Hamilton, Ontario, are experienced and ready to assist! One condition we see at our office that requires attention is actinic keratosis.
Understanding actinic keratosis
Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Shukla, describes actinic keratosis as a precancerous skin growth or area. It may appear as a benign growth but actually has the potential to develop into cancers like basal or squamous cell carcinoma. This is why detection and removal are critical.
What are the symptoms of actinic keratosis?
- Scaly, dry, or rougher patches on the skin
- Pink or red discoloration
- Burning or itching growth
- Sometimes, a wart-like surface that is hard to the touch
What are some available treatment options for patients diagnosed with actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratosis, sometimes called solar keratosis, has various treatment options available, which may include one or more of the following:
- Laser therapy – Fraxel, Fractional CO2
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
- Cryotherapy
- Topical medications
- Chemical peels
- Surgical procedures (excision, electrodesiccation and curettage)
Can any of these options prevent Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (eg, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous carcinoma)?
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests both fractional CO2 laser and Fraxel laser can prevent NMSC. At present, CO2 laser may provide the most protection.
What option(s) are best for me
Often, a combination of the above treatments is recommended for optimal results. We will review options with you and create a plan that best suits your goals and lifestyle.
How can I prevent future actinic keratosis and other possible complications?
Knowing what causes actinic keratosis and what to look for is the best way to avoid the development of more growths and lesions in the future and to better diagnose these issues in their earliest stages.
Some of the ways you can reduce your potential risk for actinic keratosis include:
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking and eating a diet high in antioxidants, which promote your skin health and wellness
- Regular skin evaluations. See your dermatologist at drs skincare in Hamilton, Ontario, at least once a year for an annual skin cancer screening, and make an appointment when any new or unusual growths develop
- Protect your skin from the sun. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to your skin with an SPF of 30 or more. Avoid extensive sun exposure and wear protective clothing when spending significant time outside between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, when the UV rays are often the highest
Schedule time to speak to the team at drs skincare to learn more about actinic keratosis
If you are a resident of the Hamilton, Ontario, area and want to speak to our team about this and other skin concerns, call (905) 524-1712 to request an appointment at our office today.
