Search results
Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancerous skin lesion on the skin. They are usually rough, scaly patches that form on the areas that receive extensive sun exposure: the face, lips, ears, backs of the hands, forearms, scalp, or neck. These growths develop slowly and don’t have any signs or symptoms other than their appearance.
Nov 28, 2022 · It’s also possible that actinic keratosis can go away on its own. This is called regression and is estimated to happen in 25% to 50% of people. Actinic keratosis can also recur after treatment ...
People also ask
Do you have actinic keratosis?
Are you experiencing the first signs of actinic keratoses?
Do all actinic keratoses develop into skin cancer?
Can actinic keratosis go away on its own?
- Sian Ferguson
- 5-fluorouracil. “One of the widely used and most effective prescription at-home therapies is topical chemotherapy called 5-fluorouracil,” Pratt says.
- Diclofenac sodium. Diclofenac sodium gel (Solaraze, Cambia, Voltaren) is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can help treat actinic keratosis.
- Imiquimod. You may get a prescription for this medication if you have actinic keratoses on your face and scalp. This medication works by affecting your body’s immune response to skin lesions.
- Ingenol mebutate. You’ll apply this medication gel once a day for 2 or 3 days in a row and leave it on for about 6 hours before washing it off. Your dermatologist will give you more specific, personalized directions on using this treatment.
Patients first notice actinic keratosis as a scaly, gritty sensation on the face. Sometimes, it takes on a red color. It feels thick and flaky, almost like a scab that never quite heals. In some cases, it fades and reappears over a long period of time. These spots come and go as the body fights unhealthy cells.
The amount of the harmful radiation produced by a tanning bed is similar to that of the sun, and in some cases might be stronger. 3. AKs tend to appear on skin that’s been the most badly damaged by the sun. That’s why they often appear on the face, ears, balding scalp, hands, neck, or lips. These areas tend to get the most sun.
Dec 5, 2022 · Actinic keratosis is a precancer, meaning that it can serve as a warning sign for future skin cancer. Estimates on the risk vary widely by source, but the Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 5% ...
Seborrheic keratoses tend to appear waxy and stuck-on but can take on an appearance similar to that of actinic keratoses. Close inspection usually reveals distinguishing characteristics of the lesion. An actinic keratosis can also be distinguished from a seborrheic keratosis by the rough, gritty feel of the scale and the erythema.
