Actinic Keratosis Treatment at Midtown Dermatology
Sun protection is a crucial aspect of maintaining skin health, as sun damage accumulates over time and can lead to skin cancer. Actinic keratoses serve as a warning sign of increased skin cancer risk due to sun exposure. Our team at Midtown Dermatology is dedicated to identifying and treating actinic keratoses promptly, preventing their progression to skin cancer.
Understanding Actinic Keratosis: Actinic keratoses present as red or pink, small, scaly patches on the skin, often with a rough texture. Sometimes they can be sensitive or irritating and are more palpable than visible due to their rough nature. These seemingly minor skin legions have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) if left untreated.
Treating Actinic Keratoses: Early intervention is crucial in preventing actinic keratoses from advancing to a more serious stage. At Midtown Dermatology, we offer various effective treatment options:
- Cryosurgery: Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy targeted tissue, preventing their progression. Blistering and scabbing may occur temporarily, with normal skin regrowth within days. This method is suitable for specific individual or scattered lesions.
- Photodynamic Blue Light Therapy: This non-invasive approach involves applying a light-sensitive medication followed by blue light activation. It destroys cells in the targeted area and is ideal for cases with widespread actinic keratoses.
- Topical Chemotherapy: Prescription cream is often recommended to treat widespread lesions of actinic keratoses in specific areas. Detailed instructions on use are provided at time of visit
Preventive Measures: Taking steps to minimize sun exposure and wearing a mineral sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when outdoors is crucial, even on cloudy days. Sun damage can occur regardless of the weather. Primary measures of sun protection include wearing sun protective clothing, staying in shaded areas or indoors, avoiding peak hours of sun exposure (10am – 4pm), and always wearing a hat when outdoors. Schedule an examination and consultation with our team at Midtown Dermatology to address your concerns and improve your skin health.
