Actinic Keratosis
Caring for Your Skin’s Well-Being
What Are Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches on the skin that develop from long-term exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. While they are usually non-cancerous, AKs can sometimes evolve into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a serious type of skin cancer. In fact, about 40% of SCC cases begin as AKs. To accurately diagnose whether an AK might be progressing to SCC, a biopsy is often necessary, as visual examination alone might not be sufficient. Leading organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Skin Cancer Foundation emphasize the importance of treating AKs to reduce the risk of serious complications.
What Causes Actinic Keratosis?
The main cause of AKs is extended exposure to UV rays from the sun. To protect your skin and prevent AKs, consider the following measures:
- Protective Clothing: Wear clothing designed to shield your skin from UV radiation.
- Sun Exposure Reduction: Limit your time in the sun, especially during peak UV hours.
- Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to safeguard against UV damage. (link to prodcut)
The main cause of AKs is extended exposure to UV rays from the sun. To protect your skin and prevent AKs, consider the following measures:
- Protective Clothing: Wear clothing designed to shield your skin from UV radiation.
- Sun Exposure Reduction: Limit your time in the sun, especially during peak UV hours.
- Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to safeguard against UV damage. (link to prodcut)
Our Approach to Treatment
At Tucson Dermatology, we offer a compassionate, two-step treatment for AKs that includes Levulan and Blu-U® Blue Light Therapy:
- Levulan Application: This topical solution makes AK cells more sensitive to light.
- Blu-U® Blue Light Therapy: After applying Levulan, we use blue light to target and destroy the affected cells. This proven method is often covered by insurance and aims to provide effective care.
How Does Levulan Blue Light Therapy Work?
Levulan is applied to the affected area to increase the sensitivity of AK cells to light. After a brief waiting period, we use blue light to eliminate these cells. Some patients may experience mild stinging or redness, but these effects are generally short-lived and should resolve within a few weeks.
Levulan is applied to the affected area to increase the sensitivity of AK cells to light. After a brief waiting period, we use blue light to eliminate these cells. Some patients may experience mild stinging or redness, but these effects are generally short-lived and should resolve within a few weeks.
Additional Uses of Blue Light Therapy
Beyond treating AKs, blue light therapy can also be effective for managing moderate acne. The procedure involves positioning your face close to the light source for about 15 minutes per session. It is typically well-tolerated and non-invasive, though it may not be covered by insurance for acne treatment.
Beyond treating AKs, blue light therapy can also be effective for managing moderate acne. The procedure involves positioning your face close to the light source for about 15 minutes per session. It is typically well-tolerated and non-invasive, though it may not be covered by insurance for acne treatment.
Understanding Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, appears as rough, scaly patches caused by UV damage from sun exposure or tanning beds. It’s a common condition affecting roughly 58 million people in the U.S. Although non-cancerous, AKs can be precursors to skin cancer, making early treatment essential.
Actinic Keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, appears as rough, scaly patches caused by UV damage from sun exposure or tanning beds. It’s a common condition affecting roughly 58 million people in the U.S. Although non-cancerous, AKs can be precursors to skin cancer, making early treatment essential.
Who is at Risk?
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing AKs:
- Fair Skin: People with light skin, hair, and eyes.
- History of Sun Exposure: Individuals with significant unprotected UV exposure.
- Compromised Immune Systems: Those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or living with conditions such as HIV/AIDS.
- Genetic Conditions: Rare disorders like albinism that heighten UV sensitivity.
Symptoms to Watch For
AKs may appear as flat or raised patches in various colors, such as red, brown, or silver. They might cause sensitivity, discomfort, itching, or, in rare cases, bleeding or persistent sores. AKs usually develop on sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, and hands.
How We Diagnose and Treat AKs
To diagnose AKs, you will need a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists at Tucson Dermatology. We perform a thorough examination to identify AKs and evaluate for other potential skin issues. Early diagnosis is crucial, especially for lesions on high-risk areas like the head and neck.
Treatment options are tailored to the number, location, and appearance of AKs, and may include:
To diagnose AKs, you will need a consultation with one of our experienced dermatologists at Tucson Dermatology. We perform a thorough examination to identify AKs and evaluate for other potential skin issues. Early diagnosis is crucial, especially for lesions on high-risk areas like the head and neck.
Treatment options are tailored to the number, location, and appearance of AKs, and may include:
- Chemical Peels: To remove damaged skin layers.
- Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove AK spots.
- Photodynamic Therapy: Combining light-sensitive creams with light to target precancerous cells.
- Laser Resurfacing: Resurfacing the top layer of skin, in the process, removing AKs with subsequent healing.
For cases with multiple or less visible AKs, topical medicated creams might be prescribed for home use.
Why Early Treatment Matters
If you have actinic keratosis, seeking prompt dermatological care is vital. Contact Tucson Dermatology to discuss your treatment options and schedule a consultation. Early intervention helps prevent the progression to skin cancer and supports your skin’s overall health.
If you have actinic keratosis, seeking prompt dermatological care is vital. Contact Tucson Dermatology to discuss your treatment options and schedule a consultation. Early intervention helps prevent the progression to skin cancer and supports your skin’s overall health.