Actinic Keratosis

ClearlyDerm / Medical Dermatology  / Skin Cancer / Actinic Keratosis

What is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are pre-cancerous skin lesions caused by frequent or excessive sun exposure. AKs are among the most common skin lesions treated by dermatologists, affecting half of the global population. These lesions appear as scaly or crusty areas on sun-exposed skin, gradually thickening into larger, wart-like growths. If left untreated, up to 10% of AKs develop into skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).

treating actinic keratosis?

Several treatment modalities including topical creams, liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery), light therapy and surgery are used by the ClearlyDerm professionals to destroy AKs before skin cancer develops. Most people diagnosed with an actinic keratosis are likely to develop more lesions as they age, and is a common condition in the adult population over the age of 50. It is important to see your ClearlyDerm provider for periodic dermatologic skin examinations on an annual basis to check for AKs.

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