Skin Care: Treatment Options for Actinic Keratoses

actinic keratosis

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are precancerous lesions often found as scaly, red spots on the face, ears and arms. Sun exposure and genetic predisposition (light skin and eye color in particular) are the two main factors leading to these lesions. Left untreated, about 10 percent of AKs turn into skin cancer or squamous cell carcinomas and require more aggressive therapy, typically surgery.

Treat AKs before they advance by having your skin evaluated by your dermatologist. If only a few AKs are present, cryotherapy—freezing the lesions off—is effective. When many lesions are present topical medications can treat whole areas of skin. Chemical peels, laser resurfacing and light treatments are also available alternative therapies.

Sun protection helps prevent further damage and should include sun protective clothing and midday sun avoidance, in addition to sunscreen use. It’s especially helpful to develop regular protective patterns such as applying sunblock every morning.

Don’t let AKs multiply on your face. See a dermatologist if you find rough spots on your skin.

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DermatologySkincare

Keith Schumann, M.D.: Dr. Keith Schumann is a board certified Cleveland Clinic trained Dermatologist. He completed his undergraduate B.S. in Chemistry at the University of Richmond. Following medical school at the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, he completed both an internship in internal medicine and residency training in dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr, Schumann's professional interests include skin cancer screening and surgery, light therapy and lasers, and the specific treatment of general skin conditions. With 15 years of experience in anti-aging skin care, he employs state-of-the-art medical technology that provides solutions for damaged skin. Dr. Schumann has published several articles on medical and cosmetic dermatology in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology. He has educated other dermatologists on the use of lasers as a Lumenis luminary and his Williamsburg practice has served as a training center.