Actinic Keratosis Treatment Photo:
Liquid nitrogen "freezes" surface skin, which subsequently flakes off to be replaced by new skin. Skin redness for a time is the chief side effect. Cryosurgery is one of the most commonly used treatments, especially by dermatologists.
Shave excision usually removes the actinic keratosis with the most precision. A specimen can also be sent to a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis (since it is not destroyed like in cryosurgery). Skin redness for a time is the chief side effect. Shave excision is one of the most commonly used treatments, especially by plastic surgeons. The cosmetic result is usually better than that achieved by other methods of removal.
Actinic keratoses are surgically removed with an excisional biposy and the tissue examined under a microscope when there is suspected transformation into invasive squamous cell carcinoma.
Topical and systemic retinoids
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are potent agents that can normalize abnormal growth and differentiation in keratinocytes. They must be prescribed by a doctor after full dermatologic and medical examination, and their use must be monitored regularly. Retinoids have a number of side effects, but skin irritation is the most common.
A topical anti-cancer agent (e.g., 5-fluoruracil) is applied to the skin to remove actinic keratoses lesions. A localized red spot may remain for some time at the site of chemotherapy application.
In a chemical peeling treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin causing the skin to blister and peel off over a period of days. As the treated skin blisters and peels, new skin forms to replace it. Your plastic surgeon will select a chemical solution to accomplish a mild, medium or deep peel. The principal side effect is redness and swelling of skin for a period of time after the treatment.
Skin is abraded away with a rapidly rotating brush, down to the depth necessary to remove sun-damaged skin. New skin grows to replace the removed, damaged skin. Redness of skin and some discomfort are the chief side effects, usually resolving within 10 days. Your plastic surgeon can relieve the side effects with medications.
A series of treatments with the carbon dioxide or erbium laser removes surface skin to a desired depth. Post-treatment skin redness is the principal side effect. A week or two of healing is needed.
Electrosurgical skin resurfacing
A pulse of electromagnetic energy at radio frequency removes surface skin. Mild to moderate post-treatment swelling is the chief side effect.
Actinic Keratosis Picture Treatment should be fully and openly discussed with your plastic surgeon. After actinic keratoses are removed, the new skin must be protected from new solar damage by a regimen of skin care that includes sun protection and regular use of moisturizers.