For many, the appearance of rough, scaly skin seems like an aesthetic nuisance. Few would instantly assume that ageing skin poses a health risk. In reality, these blemishes may actually be pre-cancerous lesions known as Actinic Keratoses (AK).
AK frequently appears in older adults with a history of excessive or intense sun exposure. With this in mind, the risk of developing AK is especially high for those with fair skin, those residing in warm-climate areas, and individuals who undergo prolonged UV exposure without sun protection, both indoors and outdoors. In addition, men are more likely to suffer from AK than women. The condition is characterised by small, rough, and scaly patches of skin that generally appear on the face, lips, ears, hands, forearms, scalp or neck. The colour can range from pink and red to brown and flesh-coloured. Left untreated, affected skin will develop an increasingly rough and crusted texture. More importantly, without treatment, AK frequently develops into squamous cell carcinoma, posing a far more dangerous risk than the earlier symptoms might indicate.
Fortunately there are treatments for combating AK and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Topical medication
Medicated creams are some of the simplest treatment options for AK. A doctor may recommend topical medication as the sole source of treatment or use it in combination with other methods.
Chemical peel
Many patients have found success in treating AK with a medium-depth chemical peel. During this treatment, peeling agents remove the skin's superficial layers, sloughing off damaged areas. Ultimately, newer and rejuvenated skin appears, with improved colour and texture. Following a chemical peel, patients can expect symptoms similar to severe sunburn, with the possibility of redness, swelling, and flaking in treated areas. This treatment is an ideal solution for patients looking to reduce AK alongside other aspects of photo-ageing.
Fraxel laser
The FDA has approved Fraxel skin resurfacing as an effective treatment method for AK. The Fraxel laser penetrates the skin and stimulates the body's natural healing process to replace damaged areas. The Fraxel laser specifically targets the more superficial layers of the skin, effectively treating AK lesions and improving overall skin texture. Patients can enjoy rapid results and an efficient recovery time. In addition, the Fraxel technology allows practitioners to treat different parts of the body in a single session. Mild side effects include redness and peeling.
Cryotherapy
A wide variety of superficial benign lesions can be treated with cryotherapy, but it is most commonly used to remove actinic keratoses, viral warts, seborrhea keratoses and other benign lesions. Liquid nitrogen is usually applied to the skin by using a spray pen. Cryotherapy does not normally require a local anesthetic, and the procedure itself lasts a matter of seconds; the precise time depends on the thickness and size of the lesion. The frozen skin becomes white and takes one to two minutes to thaw to normal skin temperature. Your doctor may suggest that the process is repeated once the skin has thawed out. Over the succeeding few days, a scab will form, and this will take one to two weeks (and occasionally a little longer, especially on the legs) to come away.
Depending on the nature of the lesion, more than one treatment may be necessary, and this is usually repeated at regular intervals. Ultimately, the best treatment plan for Actinic Keratosis is prevention. To reduce the risk of AK, avoid prolonged UV exposure.
With thanks to Dr Fiona Cowie.