The Simple Guide to Actinic Keratoses
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Have you noticed a pink, scaly spot on your skin that never seems to go away?
If so, it’s time to visit your dermatologist, as you could be experiencing the first signs of actinic keratoses. Although it’s not dangerous on its own, it’s a warning sign of the potential for skin cancer in the future.
Actinic keratoses are one of the most common issues we see in the dermatology clinics. It’s evidence that the skin has had too much sun exposure. Because of this UV damage, the skin hasn’t been able to regulate growth and now produces pink, scaly lesions on the skin. If left untreated, these can develop into a
squamous cell carcinoma
.
Don’t avoid dealing with spots you suspect may be actinic keratoses. Instead, think of actinic keratoses as a good thing — it’s your body’s cue that it’s time to intervene.
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How Do I Get Actinic Keratoses?
Actinic keratoses don’t play favorites. Anyone can develop these spots, no matter their ethnicity, gender, or race. It’s UV exposure that affects your susceptibility to developing actinic keratoses. These rashes usually appear in patients over the age of 40 after years of sun damage.
Patients with a history of skin cancer need to closely monitor their skin for signs of actinic keratoses or any other suspicious spots. Prior skin cancer has already indicated significant UV exposure and damage to the body. That inherently puts you at risk to develop actinic keratoses as well as future skin cancers. In fact, about 60% of people diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma will have a
second diagnosis
within 10 years. Further, multiple skin cancer diagnoses also indicate an
increased risk
f
or other cancers. If you have a history of skin cancer, keep a regular schedule of follow-up appointments to catch actinic keratoses or any other suspicious spots or symptoms before they progress.
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How Can I Spot Actinic Keratoses?
Patients first notice actinic keratosis as a scaly, gritty sensation on the face. Sometimes, it takes on a red color. It feels thick and flaky, almost like a scab that never quite heals. In some cases, it fades and reappears over a long period of time.
These spots come and go as the body fights unhealthy cells. For a time, our body can fight it on its own, healing the pink area. But later, the scale comes back, and the cells start to grow and turn over more quickly than the body can heal. As the cells turnover, they stack up and begin to create a thick pink scale.
Because of the “come and go” nature of actinic keratoses, people tend to delay visiting their dermatologist.
Don’t.
If you ever have something new, changing, or an area of the skin that just doesn’t feel right for longer than six weeks, your dermatologist needs to evaluate it.
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What Actinic Keratosis Treatment Options Do I Have?
Not all actinic keratoses will develop into skin cancer, however most dermatologists will want to remove them as a precaution. In-office actinic keratosis treatments include
cryotherap
y
or photodynamic therapy.
For patients who prefer a topical medication for their actinic keratosis treatment, we prescribe creams or topical gels that work over a period of several weeks to destroy these cells.
Whenever you notice a rash, spot, or irregularity on your skin that doesn’t seem to heal, it’s time to visit your dermatologist. They’ll be able to evaluate the issue and recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you. Don’t ignore the signals your body is sending you. Actinic keratoses are your cue to make an appointment today.
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Dermaplaning and Chemical Peel Treatment
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Did you know?
Your skin begins to lose its glow over time? This is because the skin’s natural shedding of dead cells slows with age, causing it to appear dull and lackluster. Though new, healthy skin exist below the surface, it is often masked by an old and uneven external layer of skin. Dermaplaning and chemical peel combination treatments help reveal healthy, glowing skin and restore a youthful appearance.
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Dermaplaning is a non-invasive procedure in which a blade is gently moved across a dry skin on the face, removing dead skin and evening out rough, dry skin. Dermaplaning is painless and can be performed as often as twice per month. In addition to removing the rough outer portion of the dermis, dermaplaning also helps to remove unwanted vellus hairs, also known as ‘peach fuzz’.
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A chemical peel is an in-office procedure during which an acid solution is applied to the surface of the face. The solution is left on for a few minutes, after which time it is removed or neutralized. Most people experience some mild tingling during a chemical peel, which usually takes only a few minutes to complete. Following a chemical peel, the skin may ‘flake off’ for a couple of days before revealing newer, healthier looking skin beneath the surface. Chemical peels are useful for improving the appearance of the skin and conditions like hyperpigmentation, fine lines, sun damage, acne scars and age spots.
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Dermaplaning and Chemical Peel Combo
$250 +
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$300 Value
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