Actinic Keratosis Treatment

Actinic keratosis (AK) appears as rough, scaly patches on the skin, often caused by sun damage. Since AK can potentially turn into skin cancer if left untreated, early detection is key.^1-3

The reason for treating actinic keratosis is to stop the patches (also called lesions) from progressing to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).^1-3

The best treatment option for actinic keratosis will depend on:²

• How many lesions you have
• Where the lesions are located
• The overall appearance of the lesions
• If you have had skin cancer in the past
• Any other health conditions you may have

At times, certain treatments may be used together. These treatments may include:^1-3

• Freezing (cryotherapy)
• Topical medicines
• Chemical peels
• Photodynamic therapy
• Scraping (curettage)
• Laser therapy

Freezing (cryotherapy)

Freezing, or cryotherapy, is the most common treatment option for actinic keratosis. This treatment works best when there are only a few lesions that are clearly defined. Your healthcare provider will spray or swab liquid nitrogen on the lesion. The nitrogen freezes the lesion. This procedure is done in the office.^1-3

Serious side effects are rare. You may feel burning or discomfort in the place that was treated. The treated spot may turn white; sometimes the discoloration improves over several months, but it can be permanent. You may have permanent hair loss in the treated area and long-term (12 to 18 months) loss of sensation.^1-3

Topical medicines

Actinic keratoses can be treated with prescription ointments and creams that are applied directly to the skin. Topical medicines are useful for people who have many lesions. These medicines include:^1-4

• Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream
• Imiquimod cream (Aldara or Zyclara®)
• Diclofenac sodium gel (Voltaren®)
• Tirbanibulin (Klisyri®)

These medicines are applied to the treatment area following your healthcare provider’s instructions. Overall treatment duration with topical medicines can vary depending on the medicine used.^1-4

Chemical peels

Facial chemical peels may be an alternative to topical medicines. Chemical peels can be done in a single visit. After a chemical peel, your skin will be swollen, red, and sore. This is a common side effect. After several days, the swelling, redness, and soreness should begin to go away, and you should eventually be left with new, healthy skin.^2,3

Photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy is used to treat numerous lesions on the face and scalp. A light-sensitizing medicine is applied to the lesions. Hours later, the lesions are exposed to a strong blue or red light that destroys the abnormal cells.^1-3

Possible side effects include redness and swelling, burning, and pain. The skin at the treatment site may crust over, change color, or become scaly. After this procedure, you should stay out of the sun for at least 2 days.^1-3

Scraping (curettage)

Scraping, or curettage, may be useful if your healthcare provider also wants to have a tissue sample from the actinic keratosis to check for skin cancer. The abnormal tissue is scraped away using a tool called a curette. Your doctor will numb the area before this procedure, so you will not feel anything. Possible side effects include infection, scarring, and changes in skin color.^1-3

Laser therapy

Laser therapy offers a precise way to target and remove actinic keratosis. During laser therapy, a focused beam of light is used to destroy the damaged skin cells that make up the AK, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue largely untouched.^1-3

This treatment may be particularly helpful for areas with multiple lesions or when other treatments have not been effective. After the laser procedure, the treated area will typically heal over a few weeks, resulting in smoother, healthier skin.^1-3

Protect your skin

Protecting your skin from the sun is the best defense against actinic keratosis. If you notice any new red or rough bumps on your skin, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to have them checked out.^1-3