One of the health risks of sun exposure, no matter what time of year or your skin type, is the formation of precancerous spots or lesions. Unfortunately, if these spots are left untreated, they are at a higher risk of developing into skin cancer. Actinic keratosis (AK) is a type of precancerous lesion that can lead to squamous cell carcinoma if not diagnosed and treated early.
At Houston Skin, our board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons, and dermatopathologists have the training and expertise necessary to provide accurate diagnoses and cutting-edge skin cancer treatment options for diverse skin issues, including precancerous spots like actinic keratosis.
What Is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is also called solar keratoses and most commonly appears in areas that receive excessive sun exposure, like the arms, hands, scalp, lips, and face. Actinic keratosis presents as a flaky, dry growth that can be brown or red. These patches may feel rough, like sandpaper, and most closely resemble warts. With time, these patches of skin can quickly change to become thick, scaly, or change colors. Because actinic keratosis grows quickly, there is a risk of the lesion becoming cancerous in a short amount of time.
Certain risks increase a person’s chance of developing AK. These factors include:
- Excessive sun exposure
- Tanning bed use, even once!
- Fair-skinned complexion
- Over the age of 50
Due to the aggressive nature of these types of growths, it’s important to have any suspicious spots examined by one of Houston Skins’ dermatology experts as soon as possible. If the lesion is precancerous, it can become squamous cell carcinoma without proper treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.
Treating Actinic Keratosis
To accurately treat actinic keratosis, our dermatologists may take a skin biopsy to test for skin cancer. If determined to be precancerous, it can be treated with one of a combination of the following options:
Immunotherapy
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that topical drugs like Imiquimod trigger the immune system and aid the body in fighting abnormal cells in precancerous spots.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is an innovative technique that can quickly remove the AK lesion with minimal scarring. With this technique, liquid nitrogen is applied to the spot long enough to freeze the affected skin. As a result, a blister is created underneath the treated area. Once new skin forms underneath the blister, the precancerous skin will shrink, blister, or peel off. Cryotherapy treatment is fast and effective, with minimal side effects like redness, swelling, or pigmentation loss associated with other, more invasive procedures.
Topical Medication
Topical medications, such as 5-fluorouracil (Carac, Fluoroplex, or Efudex), Ingenol mebutate gel (Picato), Diclofenac gel (Voltaren, Solaraze) or Imiquimod cream (Aldara, Zyclara), target and destroy any precancerous cells in the treated area. These FDA-approved medications are applied once or twice a day for several weeks. With 5-fluorouracil, the pre-cancerous spots gradually disappear with little to no scarring.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is an advanced treatment for precancerous and cancerous lesions. In this treatment, our practitioners use a drug called Aminolevulinic acid, which is placed on the skin in the affected area. Then, a special red light is used to activate the drug and eliminate the abnormal cells. Photodynamic therapy is a great option for patients because it’s quick and noninvasive with minimal possible side effects.
Tips for Preventing Actinic Keratosis
Sun exposure is the biggest risk for developing AK and various forms of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. It’s important to take precautions to protect yourself from dangerous UV rays and overexposure.
The best ways to prevent overexposure are:
- Avoid the sun during peak daylight hours (between 10 am to 3 pm)
- Avoid sunburns
- Do not use UV tanning beds
- Wear sun-protective shirts, hats, and pants
- Apply SPF 30 (minimum) UVA/UVB sunscreen for short periods of activity outside
- Apply SPF 30-50 (minimum) UVA/UVB sunscreen for prolonged activity outside
- Reapply sunscreen when doing activities like swimming
- Check your skin at least once a month
- See our staff at Houston Skin for yearly professional skin exams
Meet The Team
Our Houston team of Board-Certified Dermatologists and licensed skin care providers brings a wealth of experience and a passion for healthy skin. With extensive clinical experience and the highest levels of training, our doctors are committed to delivering exceptional care and achieving optimal results for every patient. We prioritize your comfort and safety, promoting a positive and reassuring experience throughout your journey to vibrant skin. We’re honored to be your trusted provider of quality medical dermatology care and your partners in achieving and maintaining your skin’s health.
Contact Houston Skin for Actinic Keratosis
Schedule an actinic keratosis consultation at one of our convenient Houston Skin locations today. Our board-certified dermatologists will provide a personalized assessment and recommend the ideal treatments to help you heal and remove pre-cancerous spots. Call now or schedule a consultation online to take the first step towards a more confident, radiant you.
