What is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratoses, also referred to as AKs or Solar Keratosis, are the most common type of pre-cancers that form on skin. They are rough, scaly patches on the skin that develop from years of chronic UV ray exposure, sun tanning, and/or tanning bed use. Actinic Keratosis lesions are considered precursors to non-melanoma skin cancers, such as squamous cell skin cancers.
How Do AKs Present?
AKs often appear as small, dry, scaly, or crusty patches on the skin. They are often found on sun exposed areas, such as on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands. Once you get one Actinic Keratosis, you are more likely to develop more over time.
What Can We Do?
Treatment for AKs is one of the most common treatments at the clinic. When detected, it is best to treat the Actinic Keratosis to clearance to reduce your risk for skin cancers.Treatments include topical medications, cryosurgery, photodynamic therapy, or curettage and desiccation. Once Dr. Kartono has evaluated the lesion, she can suggest the best possible treatment option for you.
What Can You Do at Home?
You can reduce your risk of making Actinic Keratoses by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays. Use sunscreen every day! By applying a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or greater, we can work to prevent these.