How do you treat actinic keratosis (AKs)?

Replying to this old thread. I've been seeing a dermatologist for about 5 years for AK. I had a few pink, dry spots about the size of pencil erasers that wouldn't go away with lotion, Vaseline, or hydrocortisone. I made an appointment at a dermatologist and was told they were AK. The Dr froze them off, along with 3 or 4 other spots.

Yes, it stings a bit to get them frozen and they ache a bit but by the next day the pain is gone. The spots heal within a couple of weeks.

After doing this for 5 years my dermatologist mentioned using fluorouracil, showed me some pictures, and I decided to try it.

The doctor prescribed 2 weeks and 2x a day, no lotion or anything besides soap to wash my face during treatment.

I'm a couple days past the 2 weeks and my face is on fire, skin is tight, itching is crazy bad.

I've decided that I'm going back to my 2x a year visit and getting the spots frozen.

It's quick, fairly painless, and my face is back to normal in 2 weeks. To me the burning and itching from the chemo drug just isn't worth it.

...I am so sorry Efudex has been so painful for you. It's definitely a common experience for users.

Has your doctor suggested photodynamic therapy (PDT)? It's a pretty common treatment and is used to rid your skin of actinic keratosis. From everything I have read and from what friends have told me, it is much less harrowing than Efudex. In fact, friends who have used it tell me they see results much more quickly than when they have used Efudex.

I am including an article on PDT in case you want more information.

https://skincancer.net/treatment/procedures-surgery/photodynamic-therapy

Wishing you well! April, SkinCancer.net, Moderator