Actinic Keratosis - Information on Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis Information

Actinic Keratosis is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Actinic Keratosis may occur to the people at any age. Actinic keratoses are found on chronically sun-exposed skin, most commonly on a fair-skinned person, middle-aged or older. Actinic keratoses (AKs) are usually found on the face, lips, scalp, neck, forearms, and back of the hands.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Actinic Keratosis. Actinic keratoses are single or multiple, fleshcolored or slightly hyperpigmented, dry, rough, scaly lesions which occur on skin exposed to the sun. Cells are atypical, and they are considered to be pre-malignant because some may eventually become squamous cell cancers.

Causes of Actinic Keratosis

A long time sun exposure in years cause Actinic Keratosis to develop. They develop in the skin cells called the “keratinocytes,” which are the tough-walled cells that make up 90% of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, and give the skin its texture. Chronic sun exposure causes skin cells to change size, shape, and the way they are organized. Years of sun exposure cause these cells to change in size, shape, and the way they are organized. Cellular damage can even extend to the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis. AKs are induced by UV light. Both epidemiologic observations and molecular biologic characteristics of the tumor cells suggest UV light is sufficient by itself to induce AK. Sensitivity to UV light is inherited. AKs occur more frequently in fair, redheaded, or blonde patients who burn frequently and tan poorly. Increased sun exposure and higher-intensity exposure increase the chance of AK development. Immunosuppression following organ transplantation dramatically increases the risk of developing AKs; however, AKs do not occur without sun exposure.

Treatment of Actinic Keratosis

The treatment for actinic keratoses depends upon the number and size of the lesions. Following are the type of treatment given to Actinic Keratosis' patient:

Cryosurgery - Liquid nitrogen "freezes" surface skin, which flakes off and is replaced by new skin. Skin redness is the chief side effect.

Topical Chemotherapy - A topical anti-cancer cream or lotion (e.g., 5-fluorouracil) is applied to the skin to treat and bring out actinic keratoses lesions.

Photodynamic Therapy - (TCA or trichloroacetic acid)

Chemical Peeling - A chemical solution is applied to the skin. This causes the skin to peel off over a period of days. As the treated skin peels, new skin forms to replace it.

Laser Skin Resurfacing - A series of treatments with the carbon dioxide laser removes surface skin to a desired depth. Post-treatment skin redness is the principal side effect. A week or two of healing is needed.