What is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis (AK) appears as rough, scaly patches of skin, often in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, hands, or lips. While typically harmless, AKs can progress to skin cancer if left untreated, making early detection and treatment critical. Over time, sun damage accumulates, increasing the likelihood of developing these precancerous growths.
At Summerlin Dermatology of Las Vegas, our team of experts offers tailored treatment plans to effectively manage and prevent actinic keratosis, empowering you to maintain healthier skin.
What are the Common Signs of Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis may present with the following signs:
Rough, scaly patches on the skin.
Flat or slightly raised lesions, often less than an inch in diameter.
Lesions that may be pink, red, or brown.
Itching, burning, or tenderness in affected areas.
Crusty or flaky areas on sun-exposed skin, such as the face, ears, scalp, chest, hands, or lips.
AKs typically develop in areas with significant sun exposure and are more common in individuals with fair skin, light-colored eyes, or a history of sunburns.
What Causes Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is caused by long-term exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays, which damage skin cells over time. Contributing factors include:
Cumulative Sun Exposure: Years of UV radiation lead to cellular damage.
Tanning Beds: Frequent use increases UV exposure and skin risk.
Fair Skin: Individuals with light skin are more susceptible to UV damage.
History of Sunburns: Severe sunburns increase the risk of developing AK.
Weakened Immune System: Conditions that lower immune function can make the skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
How is Actinic Keratosis Treated?
Several effective treatments are available for actinic keratosis, depending on the severity and number of lesions:
Topical Medications: Fluorouracil, imiquimod, or diclofenac to target abnormal cells directly.
Cryotherapy: Freezing individual lesions with liquid nitrogen for quick and effective removal.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A photosensitizing agent combined with light therapy to destroy AK cells.
Laser Therapy: Focused light to precisely target and remove damaged cells.
Chemical Peels: The VI Peel® Chemical Peel and other peels are exfoliating treatments designed to help remove superficial layers of damaged skin, promoting smoother, healthier skin.
Curettage and Desiccation: Scraping away lesions followed by heat or chemical treatment.
Excision: Surgical removal of severe or persistent lesions for a more permanent solution.
Regular Skin Exams: Continued monitoring to catch and treat new lesions early.
By tailoring treatments to your unique needs, our experts ensure optimal results while focusing on your comfort and skin health.
Prevention Tips
Preventing actinic keratosis involves protecting your skin from further UV damage:
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves.
Avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Conduct regular self-skin exams to identify changes or new growths early.
Schedule annual dermatology visits for professional skin checks.
Related Treatments
We’re Here to Help
Actinic keratosis can be effectively treated and prevented with proper care and professional intervention. At Summerlin Dermatology, our Board-Certified Providers are experienced in diagnosing and treating AK, ensuring your skin stays healthy and protected.
Don’t wait—call us today at 702-243-4501 or Request an Appointment online to take control of your skin health.
Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis Treatment
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin condition caused by prolonged sun exposure, affecting millions of Americans each year. At Summerlin Dermatology, we specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of AK to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer.