Keratoza aktyniczna (solar keratoza)
Leczenie

Rogowacenie słoneczne (keratosis actinica) stanowi zmiany przedrakowe skóry wywołane przewlekłą ekspozycją na promieniowanie UV, z ryzykiem transformacji w raka kolczystokomórkowego (SCC) w 5-10% przypadków. Leczenie zależy od liczby, lokalizacji i charakterystyki zmian oraz stanu pacjenta. Metody ukierunkowane na pojedyncze zmiany obejmują krioterapię ciekłym azotem (skuteczność 67-99%, czas gojenia 5-10 dni na twarzy, do 6 tygodni na nogach), łyżeczkowanie z elektrodestrukcją (wymaga znieczulenia, umożliwia ocenę histopatologiczną) oraz wycięcie chirurgiczne przy podejrzeniu inwazji nowotworowej. Terapie powierzchniowe, stosowane przy licznych zmianach, obejmują miejscowe preparaty: 5-fluorouracyl (0,5-5%, stosowany 2-8 tygodni), imikwimod (3,75-5%, 4-16 tygodni), diklofenak 3% w 2,5% kwasie hialuronowym (60-90 dni), ingenol mebutate (0,015-0,05%, 2-3 dni) oraz tirbanibulin (5 dni). Terapia fotodynamiczna (PDT) z 5-ALA lub MAL jest skuteczna w leczeniu klinicznych i subklinicznych zmian na dużych powierzchniach skóry, zapewniając dobre efekty kosmetyczne. Skuteczność poszczególnych metod wynosi: krioterapia 67-88%, 5-FU redukcja zmian o 80%, imikwimod 40-50%, PDT 70-73%.

Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses) – Opcje leczenia

Rogowacenie słoneczne (łac. keratosis actinica), znane również jako rogowacenie aktyniczne lub keratoza słoneczna, to zmiany przedrakowe skóry, które powstają w wyniku długotrwałej ekspozycji na promieniowanie ultrafioletowe pochodzące ze słońca lub sztucznych źródeł, jak solaria. Leczenie tych zmian jest istotne, ponieważ około 5-10% z nich może przekształcić się w raka kolczystokomórkowego (SCC). Decyzja o podjęciu leczenia zależy od wielu czynników, w tym liczby zmian, ich lokalizacji, charakterystyki klinicznej, wieku pacjenta, ogólnego stanu zdrowia oraz preferencji pacjenta12.

Wczesna i skuteczna interwencja terapeutyczna może zapobiec transformacji rogowacenia słonecznego w raka skóry. Dostępne są różnorodne metody leczenia, które można podzielić na dwie główne kategorie: terapie ukierunkowane na pojedyncze zmiany oraz terapie powierzchniowe stosowane na większych obszarach12.

Terapie ukierunkowane na pojedyncze zmiany

Metody te są szczególnie odpowiednie dla pacjentów z niewielką liczbą wyraźnie odgraniczonych zmian. Do najczęściej stosowanych należą:

Krioterapia

Krioterapia z zastosowaniem ciekłego azotu jest najczęściej stosowaną metodą leczenia rogowacenia słonecznego. Zabieg polega na zamrożeniu zmiany, co powoduje zniszczenie nieprawidłowych komórek. Ciekły azot jest nakładany bezpośrednio na zmianę za pomocą sprayu lub aplikatora z wacikiem. Czas mrożenia waha się od 5 do 20 sekund, w zależności od lokalizacji, szerokości i grubości zmiany. Skuteczność tej metody szacuje się na 67-99% (z wyłączeniem zmian na ramionach i dłoniach). Gojenie trwa od 5-10 dni na twarzy, 3-4 tygodnie na rękach i 6 tygodni lub dłużej na nogach123.

Krioterapia zwykle nie wymaga znieczulenia miejscowego i jest szybką procedurą wykonawaną w gabinecie lekarskim. Do możliwych skutków ubocznych należą: zaczerwienienie, obrzęk, pęcherze oraz trwałe odbarwienie skóry (hipopigmentacja), zwłaszcza u osób o ciemniejszej karnacji12.

Łyżeczkowanie i elektrodestrukcja

Łyżeczkowanie (ang. curettage) polega na mechanicznym zeskrobaniu zmienionej chorobowo tkanki za pomocą ostrego, łyżeczkowatego narzędzia zwanego łyżeczką dermatomologiczną. Zabieg ten często jest łączony z elektrodestrukcją (ang. electrodesiccation), która wykorzystuje prąd elektryczny do zniszczenia pozostałych nieprawidłowych komórek i zapewnienia hemostazy. Procedura ta jest szczególnie wskazana przy grubszych, hiperkeratotycznych zmianach lub przy obecności rogów skórnych12.

Łyżeczkowanie z elektrodestrukcją wymaga znieczulenia miejscowego. Gojenie może trwać kilka tygodni lub dłużej, w zależności od lokalizacji anatomicznej. Zaletą tej metody jest możliwość pobrania materiału do badania histopatologicznego, co jest szczególnie ważne w przypadkach, gdy podejrzewa się transformację nowotworową12.

Wycięcie chirurgiczne

Wycięcie chirurgiczne może być konieczne w przypadku, gdy zmiana jest głęboka, podejrzewa się inwazję nowotworową lub potrzebna jest ocena histopatologiczna. Procedura obejmuje znieczulenie miejscowe, wycięcie zmiany i zamknięcie rany szwami. Zabieg pozostawia trwałą bliznę, ale daje pewność co do całkowitego usunięcia zmiany, co powinno być potwierdzone badaniem histopatologicznym12.

Terapie powierzchniowe

Terapie powierzchniowe są zalecane w przypadku pacjentów z wieloma zmianami rogowacenia słonecznego lub przy zmianach trudnych do zidentyfikowania gołym okiem. Metody te umożliwiają leczenie zarówno widocznych, jak i subklinicznych zmian na większym obszarze skóry12.

Leki miejscowe

Leczenie miejscowe kremami i żelami jest często stosowane do leczenia rozległych obszarów ze zmianami rogowacenia słonecznego. Dostępne są następujące opcje terapeutyczne, zatwierdzone przez agencje regulacyjne:

  • 5-fluorouracyl (5-FU) – Jest to lek cytotoksyczny, który hamuje syntazę tymidylanową, powodując śmierć komórek aktywnie proliferujących. Dostępny w formie kremów o różnych stężeniach (0,5%, 1%, 5%), stosowany raz lub dwa razy dziennie przez okres od 2 do 8 tygodni. Jego skuteczność może być zwiększona przez jednoczesne stosowanie maści z kalcypotriolem. 5-FU selektywnie atakuje uszkodzone komórki skóry, powodując reakcję zapalną z zaczerwienieniem, martwicą i nadżerkami. Jest to jeden z najskuteczniejszych preparatów do leczenia rogowacenia słonecznego123.
  • Imikwimod – Jest to miejscowy modulator odpowiedzi immunologicznej, który stymuluje produkcję cytokin, w tym interferonu, co prowadzi do zniszczenia nieprawidłowych komórek. Krem z imikwimodem w stężeniu 5% lub 3,75% nakłada się 2-3 razy w tygodniu przez okres od 4 do 16 tygodni. Jest szczególnie skuteczny w leczeniu zmian na twarzy i skórze głowy123.
  • Diklofenak – Jest to niesteroidowy lek przeciwzapalny (NLPZ) w formie żelu o stężeniu 3% w 2,5% kwasie hialuronowym. Stosuje się go dwa razy dziennie przez 60-90 dni. Diklofenak hamuje cyklooksygenazę 2 (COX-2), która jest nadmiernie wyrażana w rogowaceniu słonecznym. Jest to łagodniejsza opcja terapeutyczna, powodująca mniej podrażnień niż inne leki, ale także mniej skuteczna123.
  • Ingenol mebutate – Jest to lek pochodzący z soku rośliny Euphorbia peplus (wilczomlecz). Dostępny w stężeniach 0,015% (stosowany na twarz i skórę głowy przez 3 kolejne dni) i 0,05% (stosowany na tułów i kończyny przez 2 kolejne dni). Jest to relatywnie nowy lek, który działa poprzez indukcję szybkiej nekrozy komórkowej12.
  • Tirbanibulin – Jest to nowszy lek, który hamuje polimeryzację tubuliny i sygnalizację kinazy białkowej. Został zatwierdzony w krajach takich jak USA, Wielka Brytania i Niemcy w 2021 roku. Stosuje się go przez 5 dni miejscowo12.

Leki miejscowe często powodują reakcje skórne, takie jak zaczerwienienie, pieczenie, łuszczenie się, obrzęk i strupki. Te efekty uboczne są zazwyczaj tymczasowe i ustępują po zakończeniu leczenia. Ważne jest, aby nie stosować miejscowych kortykosteroidów w celu złagodzenia tych reakcji, ponieważ mogą one hamować skuteczność leczenia12.

Terapia fotodynamiczna

Terapia fotodynamiczna (PDT) jest nieinwazyjną metodą leczenia rogowacenia słonecznego, szczególnie przydatną przy rozległych zmianach na twarzy i skórze głowy. Procedura ta składa się z dwóch etapów: najpierw na skórę aplikuje się fotouczulacz (najczęściej kwas 5-aminolewulinowy (5-ALA) lub metylowy ester kwasu aminolewulinowego (MAL)), a następnie obszar ten naświetla się światłem o określonej długości fali, co prowadzi do selektywnego zniszczenia nieprawidłowych komórek12.

Terapia fotodynamiczna jest skuteczna zarówno w leczeniu klinicznych, jak i subklinicznych zmian rogowacenia słonecznego. Może być stosowana na dużych obszarach skóry i daje dobry efekt kosmetyczny. Do efektów ubocznych należą: zaczerwienienie, obrzęk, pieczenie podczas zabiegu oraz zwiększona wrażliwość na światło (fotosensytyzacja) w okresie po zabiegu12.

Inne metody leczenia

Istnieją również inne metody leczenia rogowacenia słonecznego, które mogą być stosowane w zależności od indywidualnych potrzeb pacjenta:

  • Peelingi chemiczne – Wykorzystują substancje chemiczne, takie jak kwas trójchlorooctowy (TCA), do zniszczenia warstwy wierzchniej skóry, co umożliwia regenerację zdrowszej tkanki. Są one szczególnie przydatne przy rozległych i powierzchownych zmianach12.
  • Dermabrazja – Polega na mechanicznym ścieraniu wierzchniej warstwy skóry za pomocą urządzenia ręcznego. Metoda ta jest stosowana przy dużych zmianach, które są często zbyt rozległe do leczenia preparatami miejscowymi12.
  • Laseroterapia – Wykorzystuje intensywne wiązki światła laserowego do niszczenia powierzchniowych warstw skóry. Nowoczesne lasery ablacyjne, takie jak laser CO2 czy laser erbowo-YAG, umożliwiają precyzyjne usunięcie zmian z minimalnym uszkodzeniem otaczających tkanek12.
  • Doustne retinoidy – Stosowane u pacjentów po przeszczepach narządów, wykazano, że zmniejszają ryzyko rozwoju raka kolczystokomórkowego u osób z licznymi zmianami rogowacenia słonecznego1.

Terapia skojarzona

W wielu przypadkach najlepsze rezultaty osiąga się, łącząc różne metody leczenia. Kombinacje terapeutyczne mogą zwiększyć skuteczność, poprawić satysfakcję pacjenta i potencjalnie przynieść lepsze efekty kosmetyczne12.

Typowe kombinacje obejmują:

  • Krioterapię połączoną z terapią fotodynamiczną
  • Krioterapię połączoną z leczeniem miejscowym (np. 5-FU, imikwimod)
  • Leczenie miejscowe połączone z terapią fotodynamiczną

Należy pamiętać, że niektóre z tych kombinacji mogą zwiększać fotowrażliwość, dlatego ważne jest, aby pacjent szczególnie chronił skórę przed promieniowaniem UV podczas i po leczeniu12.

Wybór metody leczenia

Wybór odpowiedniej metody leczenia rogowacenia słonecznego zależy od wielu czynników, w tym:

  • Liczby i rozmieszczenia zmian – pojedyncze, dobrze odgraniczone zmiany mogą być leczone metodami ukierunkowanymi na zmiany, natomiast liczne zmiany lub zmiany w „polu rakowacenia” wymagają terapii powierzchniowej12.
  • Charakterystyki zmian – grubość, hiperkeratoza, lokalizacja anatomiczna1.
  • Wieku i ogólnego stanu zdrowia pacjenta1.
  • Preferencji pacjenta dotyczących czasu trwania leczenia, tolerancji na efekty uboczne oraz kosztów1.
  • Wcześniejszych doświadczeń z leczeniem1.

Opieka po leczeniu

Po leczeniu rogowacenia słonecznego kluczowe znaczenie ma regularna obserwacja dermatologiczna. Pacjenci powinni być monitorowani pod kątem nawrotów istniejących zmian oraz pojawienia się nowych. Częstotliwość wizyt kontrolnych zależy od indywidualnego ryzyka pacjenta, ale zazwyczaj zaleca się kontrole co 6-12 miesięcy12.

Równie ważna jest profilaktyka, która obejmuje:

  • Ochronę przed słońcem – regularne stosowanie kremów z wysokim filtrem przeciwsłonecznym (SPF 30+), noszenie odzieży ochronnej, kapelusza i okularów przeciwsłonecznych12.
  • Unikanie ekspozycji na słońce w godzinach największego nasłonecznienia (10:00-16:00)1.
  • Regularne samobadanie skóry1.
  • Suplementację witaminą B3 (niacynamid), która wykazała obiecujące rezultaty w redukcji liczby zmian rogowacenia słonecznego12.

Warto podkreślić, że odpowiednia samoopieka odgrywa kluczową rolę w długoterminowych wynikach leczenia i zapobieganiu nawrotom rogowacenia słonecznego oraz rozwojowi raka skóry1.

Skuteczność leczenia

Skuteczność leczenia rogowacenia słonecznego zależy od wybranej metody, lokalizacji zmian oraz indywidualnych cech pacjenta. Ogólnie jednak większość metod terapeutycznych oferuje dobre wyniki przy odpowiednim stosowaniu:

  • Krioterapia ma skuteczność na poziomie 67-88% całkowitej eliminacji zmian1.
  • 5-Fluorouracyl prowadzi do całkowitego ustąpienia zmian u około 50% pacjentów i 80% redukcji liczby zmian1.
  • Imikwimod 5% osiąga wskaźnik całkowitego wyleczenia na poziomie około 40-50%1.
  • Terapia fotodynamiczna wykazuje skuteczność porównywalną z 5-FU, z redukcją zmian o około 70-73%1.

Warto zauważyć, że nawet po skutecznym leczeniu, u wielu pacjentów mogą pojawiać się nowe zmiany rogowacenia słonecznego w przyszłości, co podkreśla znaczenie regularnych kontroli dermatologicznych i odpowiedniej profilaktyki12.

Podsumowanie

Rogowacenie słoneczne (keratosis actinica) to stan przedrakowy skóry, który wymaga odpowiedniego leczenia w celu zapobieżenia potencjalnej transformacji w raka kolczystokomórkowego. Dostępne są różne metody terapeutyczne, zarówno ukierunkowane na pojedyncze zmiany (krioterapia, łyżeczkowanie, wycięcie chirurgiczne), jak i terapie powierzchniowe dla pacjentów z wieloma zmianami (leki miejscowe, terapia fotodynamiczna, peelingi chemiczne).

Wybór metody leczenia powinien być zindywidualizowany i uwzględniać takie czynniki jak liczba i lokalizacja zmian, charakterystyka kliniczna, wiek i ogólny stan zdrowia pacjenta oraz jego preferencje. Skuteczne leczenie wymaga często kompleksowego podejścia, łączącego różne metody terapeutyczne.

Po leczeniu kluczowe znaczenie ma regularna obserwacja dermatologiczna oraz odpowiednia profilaktyka, obejmująca ochronę przed słońcem i regularne samobadanie skóry. Dzięki wczesnemu wykrywaniu i odpowiedniemu leczeniu, ryzyko rozwoju raka skóry może zostać znacząco zredukowane123.

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  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Actinic Keratosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557401/
    Actinic keratoses are premalignant cutaneous lesions that may progress to squamous cell carcinoma. […] Diagnosing actinic keratosis promptly and providing appropriate treatment to mitigate the risk of malignant transformation is crucial. […] This activity aims to discuss the evaluation and treatment of actinic keratosis, emphasizing the role of the interprofessional team in managing patients with this condition. […] Apply evidence-based treatment modalities for actinic keratosis, including lesion and field-directed therapies, considering individual patient factors, treatment goals, and patient preferences. […] Timely detection and implementation of a treatment plan are crucial since actinic keratosis can potentially progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma. […] Treatment options for actinic keratosis can be categorized into lesion- and field-directed therapies.
  • #1 Treatment of actinic keratosis – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-actinic-keratosis
    Treatment of actinic keratosis […] Actinic keratoses (AK), or solar keratoses, are keratotic or scaling macules, papules, or plaques resulting from the intraepidermal proliferation of atypical keratinocytes in response to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. […] The treatment of AK will be reviewed here. […] There are multiple effective treatment options for AK, including destructive therapies (eg, cryosurgery, surgery, dermabrasion, photodynamic therapy [PDT]), topical medications (eg, topical fluorouracil, imiquimod, topical tirbanibulin, diclofenac), and field ablation treatments (eg, chemical peels, laser resurfacing). […] The choice of therapy is influenced by several factors, including: […] Number and distribution of lesions […] Lesion characteristics.
  • #1 Actinic keratoses (Solar keratosis): Diagnosis and Treatment — DermNet
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/actinic-keratosis
    Physical treatments are used to destroy individual keratoses that are generally symptomatic or have a thick hard surface scale. The lesions may recur in time, in which case they may be retreated by the same or a different method. […] Liquid nitrogen spray is required to achieve adequate depth and duration of the freeze. This varies according to lesion location, width, and thickness. Healing varies from 5-10 days on the face, 3-4 weeks on the hands, and 6 weeks or longer on the legs. […] Shave, curettage (scraping with a sharp instrument) and electrocautery (burning) may be necessary to remove a cutaneous horn or hypertrophic actinic keratosis. Healing of the wound takes several weeks or longer, depending on the body site. […] Excision ensures the actinic keratosis has been completely removed, which should be confirmed by pathology. The surgical wound is sutured (stitched). The sutures are removed after a few days, the time depending on the size and location of the lesion. The procedure leaves a permanent scar.
  • #1 Actinic Keratoses
    https://www.yumadermatology.com/services/actinic-keratoses/
    Actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a rough, scaly patch on the skin that develops from years of sun exposure. It’s often found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands. […] Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40. […] You can reduce your risk of this skin condition by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. […] Left untreated, the risk of actinic keratoses turning into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma is about 5% to 10%. […] Common Treatments? […] Freezing (cryotherapy). Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Your doctor applies the substance to the affected skin, which causes blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the damaged cells slough off, allowing new skin to appear. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment. It takes only a few minutes and can be done in your doctor’s office. Side effects may include blisters, scarring, changes to skin texture, infection, and changes in skin color of the affected area.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557401/
    Lesion-directed therapies focus on treating individual actinic keratoses. Standard options include cryotherapy, curettage, or surgical excision. […] Field-directed therapies offer the advantage of treating multiple, widespread, and subclinical actinic keratosis within an area of chronic sun damage. […] Treatment strategies should be individualized, considering several factors that include the characteristics and symptoms of the lesions, patient preferences and expectations, treatment availability, patient compliance with treatment regimens, tolerability of adverse effects, and cost considerations. […] Having a discussion with patients about the anticipated timeline of treatment adverse effects, which may include blistering, erosion, crusting, burning, discomfort, pain, pruritus, erythema, and edema, is crucial.
  • #1 Actinic keratosis: Diagnosis and treatment
    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-treatment
    You can often complete treatment in 1 or 2 office visits. The procedures that dermatologists use to treat AKs include: […] If you have many AKs or AKs that you can feel but not see, your dermatologist may recommend at-home treatment. […] The advantage of using a medication to treat your AKs is that the medication can treat many AKs, including the ones you cannot see yet. Using this approach can reduce your risk of developing new AKs and possibly skin cancer. […] The medications that dermatologists prescribe include the following, which have all been approved by the US. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat AKs: […] To effectively treat the AKs, your dermatologist may prescribe both a procedure and medication that you apply at home. […] While treating actinic keratosis, never try to calm your treated skin by applying hydrocortisone or another corticosteroid medication. Using one of these will prevent your AK treatment from working.
  • #1 Actinic keratoses (Solar keratosis): Diagnosis and Treatment — DermNet
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/actinic-keratosis
    Creams are used to treat areas of sun damage and flat actinic keratoses, sometimes after physical treatments have been carried out. Field treatments are most effective on facial skin. […] Diclofenac is more often used as an anti-inflammatory drug. A special gel formulation (3%) in a base containing sodium hyaluronate) is applied twice daily for 3 months, it is fairly well tolerated in the treatment of actinic keratoses, but less effective than the other options listed here. […] 5-Fluorouracil is a cytotoxic agent. The cream formulation is applied once or twice daily for 2 to 8 weeks. Its effect may be enhanced by calcipotriol ointment. 5-fluorouracil may be available as a combination product along with salicylic acid. […] Imiquimod cream is an immune response modifier. It is applied 2 or 3 times weekly for 4 to 16 weeks.
  • #1 Actinic keratoses (Solar keratosis): Diagnosis and Treatment — DermNet
    https://dermnetnz.org/topics/actinic-keratosis
    Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves applying a photosensitiser (a porphyrin chemical such as methyl aminolevulinic acid) to the affected area prior to exposing it to a source of visible light. […] Tirbanibulin is a synthetic inhibitor of tubulin polymerisation and protein kinase signalling. This 5 day topical treatment received a product license in countries such as the USA, UK, and Germany in 2021. […] Oral retinoids have been used in organ transplant recipients and are shown to reduce the risk of SCC development in those with numerous AKs.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis Treatment
    https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/actinic-keratosis-treatment-options/
    Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved, noninvasive treatment for AKs. It is especially useful for widespread AKs on the face and scalp and can be used to treat a large area. […] Doctors may pair therapies for treatment regimens, including Cryosurgery and PDT, Cryosurgery and a topical treatment, Topical treatments and PDT. Some of these combination therapies can increase photosensitivity. Be sure to check with your dermatologist and be especially careful about safeguarding your skin from UV rays during and after treatment.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis: Risk Factors, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14148-actinic-keratosis
    Actinic keratosis (AK) causes rough, scaly skin patches. Left untreated, AK can lead to a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. […] Treatment options depend on how many actinic keratoses (AKs) you have and what they look like. Your healthcare provider may recommend removing the skin patches during an office visit. […] To remove actinic keratosis, your provider may use: Chemical peels: A chemical peel is like a medical-grade face mask. Your healthcare provider applies the peel during an office visit. The chemicals in the treatment safely destroy unwanted patches in your top layer of skin. […] Cryotherapy: If you have one or two AKs, your provider may use cryotherapy. During this treatment, your provider uses a cold substance such as liquid nitrogen to freeze skin growths. […] Excision: During this treatment, your healthcare provider first numbs the skin around your AK. Your provider then scrapes away or cuts out the AKs and stitches the area back together.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis: Symptoms and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-actinic-keratosis-basics
    Chemical peel. A chemical solution is put on the skin to cause blistering and peeling away of the actinic keratoses. You’ll likely have temporary redness and swelling. […] Dermabrasion. This uses a handheld device to „sand” the skin and improve its appearance. It can be used to treat large lesions that are often too big to treat with topical treatments. It leaves the skin red and raw and can hurt. A topical numbing ointment, nerve blocks, or other pain medications are often used. […] Topical medications Another way to clear up actinic keratoses is to apply medication to the spots. This can be especially useful when you have a lot of them on your face, scalp, or elsewhere. These medications, all of which are approved by the FDA, include: […] 5-fluorouracil. This is a cream applied to the spot or the entire sun-damaged area once or twice a day for several weeks. Usually, the skin turns red and blisters before new skin appears. It’s considered one of the most effective treatments. But it can harm an unborn baby, so it’s not safe if you are pregnant.
  • #1 Actinic keratosis – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/actinic-keratosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354969
    Actinic keratosis is caused by frequent or intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. […] If treated early, actinic keratosis can be cleared up or removed. If left untreated, some of these spots might progress to squamous cell carcinoma. This is a type of cancer that usually isn’t life-threatening if detected and treated early. […] Associated Procedures include Chemical peel, Dermabrasion, Photodynamic therapy, Skin biopsy.
  • #1 Actinic keratosis: Diagnosis and treatment
    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-treatment
    If you find a spot or growth on your skin that you think could be an actinic keratosis (AK), its time for a thorough skin exam. Should you have an AK, an accurate diagnosis and treatment can: […] Most people who have AKs (or think they may have an AK) see a dermatologist. This is actually one of the most common conditions that dermatologists diagnose and treat, so these doctors have a lot of experience with AKs. […] Treatment for AKs can get rid of AKs as well as reduce signs of aging on your skin. […] If you have one or more AKs, your dermatologist will talk with you about whether to treat these precancerous skin growths. Usually, treatment is recommended. […] The treatment that is right for you depends on several considerations, including: […] If you have one or a few AKs, a procedure that your dermatologist can perform during an appointment may be the preferred treatment. At-home treatment is often recommended for patients who have several AKs.
  • #1 Actinic keratosis: Diagnosis and treatment
    https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-treatment
    If you have many AKs, its a good idea to be under a dermatologists care. Your skin has been severely damaged by UV light, so its likely youll continue get new AKs. You may also develop skin cancer. Your dermatologist can watch for signs of new AKs and skin cancer. […] Your dermatologist will tell you how often to return for check-ups. Some people need a check-up once or twice a year. […] Self-care also plays a key role in your outcome. The right self-care can help to prevent new AKs and skin cancer.
  • #1 Actinic keratosis: Causes and prevention
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318466
    In cases where a person only has a few spots or patches, a healthcare professional may recommend removing the affected area through minor surgery. […] Surgical procedures for actinic keratosis include cryotherapy, curettage, electrosurgery, chemical peels, and photodynamic therapy. […] Following treatment, people may require repeat visits to a dermatologist. These are often yearly but will be more frequent for people with compromised immune function. […] Early diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratoses can prevent them from developing into skin cancer.
  • #1 Healing Actinic Keratosis | Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Center NJ
    https://sccsnj.com/cancer/actinic-treatment/
    Actinic keratosis is a precancer of the skin caused by frequent and prolonged sun exposure. […] Actinic keratosis can be hard to detect, as the rough patches are generally small and may look like dry skin. […] Reducing sun exposure and regularly using a high SPF sunscreen can help reduce the risk of actinic keratosis. […] Not all actinic keratosis poses a risk for skin cancer, but all lesions and patches of actinic keratosis should be removed as a precaution. Depending on the nature of your actinic keratosis, your doctor will recommend one of several treatments. […] Cryotherapy is the most widely-used treatment for actinic keratosis. […] If your Actinic Keratosis is widespread or occurs on several parts of the body, your doctor may suggest topical treatment instead of cryotherapy. […] Recent studies have discovered a link between the vitamins we ingest and actinic keratosis. […] Once you develop actinic keratosis, you are more at risk of it reoccurring. For this reason, prevention is the best method for reducing your risk of skin cancer.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis
    https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/
    Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common precancer that forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or indoor tanning. Solar keratosis is another name for the condition. […] If detected early, actinic keratoses can be treated before they develop into skin cancer. […] See your dermatologist, who can accurately diagnose the lesion and recommend an effective treatment. It’s best to diagnose and treat AKs early, before they become cancerous. This is especially true for AKs that arise on the head or neck, where skin cancers may be more aggressive.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557401/
    Recognizing that no treatment for actinic keratosis is entirely risk-free is essential. Each treatment modality carries its potential adverse effects. […] Actinic keratosis treatments may have potential adverse effects such as pain, inflammation, healing issues, pigment changes, and scarring. […] Patients diagnosed with actinic keratosis should undergo regular skin cancer screening. […] Additionally, vitamin B3 (niacinamide) has shown promise in reducing the number of actinic keratoses. […] 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an FDA-approved topical medication applied 1 to 2 times daily for several weeks. […] Imiquimod (IMQ) is an FDA-approved treatment for actinic keratosis. […] Ingenol mebutate (IM) is derived from the Euphorbia peplus plant and is FDA-approved for treating actinic keratosis. […] A variety of lesion-directed and field-directed treatment options are available for actinic keratosis. […] Long-term follow-up of actinic keratosis is required to monitor for new lesions, recurrences, and progression to malignancy.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1099775-treatment
    American Academy of Dermatology guidelines conditionally recommend PDT, to include aminolevulinic acid (ALA)red light PDT, ALA-daylight PDT, or ALA-blue light PDT. […] The goal of surgical therapy is complete eradication of actinic keratoses, usually by physical destruction, with limited to no damage to surrounding healthy tissue. […] Cryosurgery has been shown to produce an overall clearance rate of 67-88%. […] American Academy of Dermatology guidelines strongly recommend cryosurgery for actinic keratosis. […] One study has suggested that a low-fat diet in humans leads to greater resolution of existent actinic keratoses and the development of fewer new ones during the study period. […] The development of these lesions is directly proportional to sun exposure. […] If the lesions do not respond to topical therapy, they can be treated with cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen spray for 5-20 seconds.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1099775-treatment
    Ingenol mebutate topical was approved by the FDA in 2012 for treatment of actinic keratosis. […] The most experience in topical therapy for actinic keratoses is with 5-FU, which inhibits thymidylate synthetase and causes cell death in actively proliferating cells. […] The most popular formulation is the 5% cream, which is applied twice daily for 1 month. […] Imiquimod is a topical medication that up-regulates a variety of cytokines, which in turn invoke a nonspecific immune response and a specific immune response. […] Topical diclofenac sodium 3% gel is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of actinic keratosis. […] Tirbanibulin topical is a novel microtubule inhibitor approved by the FDA in 2020 for the treatment of actinic keratosis. […] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a light-sensitizing compound that preferentially accumulates in actinic keratosis cells.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis, Sun Spots) – Dermatology Advisor
    https://www.dermatologyadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/dermatology/actinic-keratosis-solar-keratosis-sun-spots/
    Physical modalities […] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses the topical agent 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) followed by blue light exposure, or methyl aminolevulinate followed by red light exposure, to selectively photosensitize the atypical cells of the AK lesion. Approximately 14-18 hours (for 5-ALA) or 3 hours (for methyl aminolevulinate) following application of the sensitizer, the skin is exposed to the specific light source, and the cells of the AK lesion are destroyed. New studies have demonstrated that shorter incubation times for ALA-PDT (1-3 hours) are just as effective as the longer incubation times (79%-94% clearance rates). […] Methyl aminolevulinate requires curettage prior to therapy, and is useful for lesional therapy, not field therapy. Common side effects of PDT include erythema, stinging/burning, edema, and scaling or crusting of the lesion. The primary disadvantage of PDT used to be the need for treatment over a 2-day period. Studies have found PDT to be as equally efficacious as 5-FU (5%). Patients randomized to apply 5-FU twice daily for 3 weeks experienced a mean lesional reduction of 70% compared to 73% for the PDT group after 6 months of follow-up.
  • #1 Actinic Keratosis: Risk Factors, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14148-actinic-keratosis
    Most actinic keratoses (AKs) go away with treatment. About 90% of people with actinic keratosis don’t develop skin cancer. However, most diagnoses of squamous cell carcinoma started as AKs. […] Actinic keratosis is a serious skin disorder that requires immediate treatment. Most AKs go away with surgical or topical treatment. You can lower your risk of actinic keratosis by protecting your skin from sun exposure and ultraviolet light. If you think you have AK, speak with your healthcare provider about diagnosis and treatment.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557401/
    Lesion-directed therapies focus on treating individual actinic keratoses. Standard options include cryotherapy, curettage, or surgical excision. […] Field-directed therapies offer the advantage of treating multiple, widespread, and subclinical actinic keratosis within an area of chronic sun damage. […] Treatment strategies should be individualized, considering several factors that include the characteristics and symptoms of the lesions, patient preferences and expectations, treatment availability, patient compliance with treatment regimens, tolerability of adverse effects, and cost considerations. […] Having a discussion with patients about the anticipated timeline of treatment adverse effects, which may include blistering, erosion, crusting, burning, discomfort, pain, pruritus, erythema, and edema, is crucial.
  • #2 Treating Actinic Keratosis | Treating Bowen Disease | American Cancer Society
    https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/treating/actinic-keratosis.html
    Actinic keratosis (AK) is often treated because it might turn into squamous cell skin cancer. But because this risk is low, treatments are generally aimed at avoiding scars or other disfiguring marks as much as possible. […] Treatment options for actinic keratosis depend on several factors, including the number and location of the tumors, a persons preferences, and which treatments are available to them. […] If there is only one tumor (or just a few tumors), the most common treatment options include cryotherapy (cryosurgery) or minor surgery such as curettage and electrodesiccation or shave excision. Other local treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) or laser surgery might be options as well. […] Often, people have several AKs in the same area of sun-damaged skin. In these situations, treatments are typically aimed at the whole area (known as field-directed therapies). Treatment options include topical creams, gels, or ointments such as fluorouracil (5-FU), tirbanibulin, imiquimod, or diclofenac. These treatments destroy the affected area of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, which usually cures actinic keratosis. Other local treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser surgery, or chemical peeling might also be options.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis Treatment NYC | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/care/dermatology/services/actinic-keratosis
    Actinic keratosis (AK) is one of the most common dermatologic conditions seen in adults. Actinic keratoses are caused by sun damage that accumulates over time. […] An actinic keratosis is a precancerous lesion. If left untreated, AKs have the potential to become a skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) in the future. Fortunately, there are multiple modalities available to treat these lesions. […] At Mount Sinai, we are experts in diagnosing and treating actinic keratosis. We were involved in developing and testing many of the treatments currently in use. We continue to research and test the newest treatments. We provide these treatments most often. […] Cryosurgery is the most commonly used treatment for actinic keratosis. In this treatment, we apply liquid nitrogen to the AK. Liquid nitrogen selectively freezes and destroys abnormal tissue. The area becomes irritated and may blister for a few days, but then normal skin regrows.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1099775-treatment
    American Academy of Dermatology guidelines conditionally recommend PDT, to include aminolevulinic acid (ALA)red light PDT, ALA-daylight PDT, or ALA-blue light PDT. […] The goal of surgical therapy is complete eradication of actinic keratoses, usually by physical destruction, with limited to no damage to surrounding healthy tissue. […] Cryosurgery has been shown to produce an overall clearance rate of 67-88%. […] American Academy of Dermatology guidelines strongly recommend cryosurgery for actinic keratosis. […] One study has suggested that a low-fat diet in humans leads to greater resolution of existent actinic keratoses and the development of fewer new ones during the study period. […] The development of these lesions is directly proportional to sun exposure. […] If the lesions do not respond to topical therapy, they can be treated with cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen spray for 5-20 seconds.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis Treatment NYC | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/care/dermatology/services/actinic-keratosis
    Electrodesiccation and curettage involves using specific instruments to scrape out and burn (electrodessicate) the base of the AK. We repeat this process several times to remove all the AK and achieve clear margins. […] Surgery, laser treatments, and chemical peels are also available when appropriate. We use these approaches for widespread lesions, or if prior therapies have failed.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1099775-treatment
    Ingenol mebutate topical was approved by the FDA in 2012 for treatment of actinic keratosis. […] The most experience in topical therapy for actinic keratoses is with 5-FU, which inhibits thymidylate synthetase and causes cell death in actively proliferating cells. […] The most popular formulation is the 5% cream, which is applied twice daily for 1 month. […] Imiquimod is a topical medication that up-regulates a variety of cytokines, which in turn invoke a nonspecific immune response and a specific immune response. […] Topical diclofenac sodium 3% gel is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of actinic keratosis. […] Tirbanibulin topical is a novel microtubule inhibitor approved by the FDA in 2020 for the treatment of actinic keratosis. […] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a light-sensitizing compound that preferentially accumulates in actinic keratosis cells.
  • #2 Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/actinic-keratoses/
    If you have more than 1 patch, or a patch is causing you problems such as pain and itchiness, treatment is usually recommended. […] Treatments for actinic keratoses include: prescription creams and gels, freezing the patches (cryotherapy) this makes the patches turn into blisters and fall off after a few weeks, surgery to cut out or scrape away the patches you’ll be given a local anaesthetic first, so it does not hurt, photodynamic therapy (PDT), where special cream is applied to the patches and a light is shone on them.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis: Risk Factors, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14148-actinic-keratosis
    Photodynamic therapy: If you have multiple AKs or AKs that return after treatment, your provider may recommend photodynamic therapy. This treatment uses creams and special light therapy to destroy precancerous skin cells. […] If you have several scaly patches or actinic keratoses (AKs) that are difficult to see, your healthcare provider may prescribe at-home treatment. Typically, at-home treatment involves applying medicated creams to your skin. […] Some examples of these creams include: Diclofenac skin gel (Voltaren gel). […] Fluorouracil, or 5-FU skin cream (Fluorac). […] Imiquimod skin cream (Aldara or Zyclara). […] Ingenol mebutate topical gel (Picato). […] Depending on the size and number of actinic keratoses (AKs), it can take up to three months for AKs to disappear after treatment ends.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis Treatment NYC | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/care/dermatology/services/actinic-keratosis
    Topical therapy involves applying a cream or gel to the visible lesions. We might use this approach if you have several AKs in one area. There are many topical options available. The medication is applied for a specified amount of time and will cause a skin reaction destroying the AK’s. Topical treatments usually produce redness of the skin, but are very effective. Picato (ingenol mebutate), the newest topical treatment approved by the FDA, was developed and tested in our department. We are currently involved in several research studies of less irritating topical treatments for actinic keratosis. If you would like to enroll, please contact your dermatologist or the clinical trials unit. […] Photodynamic blue light therapy is a non-invasive method to treat photo damage, precancerous lesions, and other skin conditions. We apply a light-sensitive medication called aminolevulinic acid to the area being treated. Next, we focus a blue light on the treatment area, which destroys the targeted cells. This is an effective way to treat large areas.
  • #2 Lee Clinic Dermatology | Dermatologist Cork | Actinic Keratoses
    http://www.leeclinicdermatology.ie/dermatology-cork/common-skin-conditions/actinic-keratoses
    Creams. Courses of creams containing drugs called 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod and imgenol mebutate are useful treatments for actinic keratoses, especially if there are a lot of them. These preparations appear to selectively destroy the abnormal cells in sun-damaged skin. However, they often cause a good deal of temporary inflammation of the treated areas. Diclofenac and retinoic acid are other drugs in cream or ointment form that may be helpful when applied to actinic keratoses. […] Photodynamic therapy. A chemical is applied to the affected area, which is then treated with the correct wavelength of visible light. This treatment is only available in certain centres.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis: Symptoms and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-actinic-keratosis-basics
    Chemical peel. A chemical solution is put on the skin to cause blistering and peeling away of the actinic keratoses. You’ll likely have temporary redness and swelling. […] Dermabrasion. This uses a handheld device to „sand” the skin and improve its appearance. It can be used to treat large lesions that are often too big to treat with topical treatments. It leaves the skin red and raw and can hurt. A topical numbing ointment, nerve blocks, or other pain medications are often used. […] Topical medications Another way to clear up actinic keratoses is to apply medication to the spots. This can be especially useful when you have a lot of them on your face, scalp, or elsewhere. These medications, all of which are approved by the FDA, include: […] 5-fluorouracil. This is a cream applied to the spot or the entire sun-damaged area once or twice a day for several weeks. Usually, the skin turns red and blisters before new skin appears. It’s considered one of the most effective treatments. But it can harm an unborn baby, so it’s not safe if you are pregnant.
  • #2 Treatment Options for Actinic Keratoses | AAFP
    https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/0901/p667.html
    Imiquimod 5% cream is also approved for treatment of actinic keratoses. […] A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study compared topical diclofenac 3% in hyaluronan 2.5% gel with a hyaluronan 2.5% vehicle. […] Facial peels using Jessner’s solution (i.e., resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid in ethanol) and trichloroacetic acid 35% (Tri-Chlor) are comparable with fluorouracil in reducing actinic keratoses and reccurrence.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis (AK): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
    https://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/actinic-keratosis/
    With cryotherapy, doctors use liquid nitrogen to freeze the AK lesions. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment option for AK. […] Sometimes, doctors will remove the AK lesion via a simple excision procedure. […] Your doctor may use an ablative laser device to destroy your AK patches, and new skin will grow in its place. […] Photodynamic therapy is often used when a person has multiple AKs or AKs that come back after initial treatment. […] Sometimes, doctors will recommend a chemical peel to treat AKs. Special substances in the peel destroy precancerous lesions in the top layer of your skin.
  • #2 Optimal treatment of actinic keratoses
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3549675/
    When lesions become less well defined and more confluent in nature, field therapy can become an attractive option as it can target both clinical and subclinical lesions over larger areas. […] Combining therapeutic modalities has the potential to improve efficacy, increase patient satisfaction, and potentially have a cosmetic benefit. […] As there is no way to clinically determine which lesions will transform into invasive SCC, recur after treatment, and metastasize (the 5-year recurrence rate of SCC is 8% and metastasis rate is 5%), all efforts to eradicate AKs are recommended. […] At each encounter, education on sun protection with hats, sun protective clothing, sunscreen greater than SPF 15 applied every 23 hours, and avoiding midday sun exposure is of utmost importance as prevention is the best treatment of all.
  • #2
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-020-00425-4
    Management of AK includes not only treatment but also prevention. Medical devices, such as sunscreens containing liposome-encapsulated DNA repair enzymes, can repair DNA damage associated with chronic UV radiation and reduce the number of new AK lesions. […] The first step in the management of the patient with multiple actinic keratoses (AK) and field cancerization (FC) is rigorous sun protection. […] Treatment of AK and FC can be lesion-directed or field-directed, and it can require the treatment of large surfaces. […] Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of treatments such as 5-fluorouracil, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and imiquimod for multiple AK. […] The choice of therapy should be based on multiple factors, such as efficacy, tolerability, patient risk profile, costs, and cosmetic results.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557401/
    Recognizing that no treatment for actinic keratosis is entirely risk-free is essential. Each treatment modality carries its potential adverse effects. […] Actinic keratosis treatments may have potential adverse effects such as pain, inflammation, healing issues, pigment changes, and scarring. […] Patients diagnosed with actinic keratosis should undergo regular skin cancer screening. […] Additionally, vitamin B3 (niacinamide) has shown promise in reducing the number of actinic keratoses. […] 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an FDA-approved topical medication applied 1 to 2 times daily for several weeks. […] Imiquimod (IMQ) is an FDA-approved treatment for actinic keratosis. […] Ingenol mebutate (IM) is derived from the Euphorbia peplus plant and is FDA-approved for treating actinic keratosis. […] A variety of lesion-directed and field-directed treatment options are available for actinic keratosis. […] Long-term follow-up of actinic keratosis is required to monitor for new lesions, recurrences, and progression to malignancy.
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis: Symptoms and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-actinic-keratosis-basics
    Imiquimod cream. This medication works with your immune system to clear actinic keratoses. You might apply it just once or twice a week for a few months or use it daily for a couple of weeks at a time. There may be redness, itching, swelling, crusting, and peeling. It’s usually used on limited areas of your face or scalp. […] Diclofenac sodium. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel can be applied twice a day for 2 to 3 months to clear up actinic keratoses. It can have milder side effects than alternative skin treatments. […] Tirbanibulin ointment: This may be an option for spots on your face and scalp. You use it for just 5 days in a row. […] Note: a previously available fast-acting gel called ingenol mebutate has been pulled from the U.S. market because of safety concerns. […] Oral medications Oral medications pills aren’t commonly used for actinic keratoses. But studies have shown that daily doses of vitamin B3 may help limit actinic keratoses in some people. Retinoids, which are natural and synthetic forms of vitamin A, have shown some promise for preventing and treating actinic keratoses, particularly in transplant recipients whose impaired immune systems put them at high risk of skin cancers.
  • #2
  • #2 Actinic Keratosis
    https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis/
    Actinic keratosis (AK) is the most common precancer that forms on skin damaged by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and/or indoor tanning. Solar keratosis is another name for the condition. […] If detected early, actinic keratoses can be treated before they develop into skin cancer. […] See your dermatologist, who can accurately diagnose the lesion and recommend an effective treatment. It’s best to diagnose and treat AKs early, before they become cancerous. This is especially true for AKs that arise on the head or neck, where skin cancers may be more aggressive.
  • #3 Actinic Keratosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1099775-treatment
    American Academy of Dermatology guidelines conditionally recommend PDT, to include aminolevulinic acid (ALA)red light PDT, ALA-daylight PDT, or ALA-blue light PDT. […] The goal of surgical therapy is complete eradication of actinic keratoses, usually by physical destruction, with limited to no damage to surrounding healthy tissue. […] Cryosurgery has been shown to produce an overall clearance rate of 67-88%. […] American Academy of Dermatology guidelines strongly recommend cryosurgery for actinic keratosis. […] One study has suggested that a low-fat diet in humans leads to greater resolution of existent actinic keratoses and the development of fewer new ones during the study period. […] The development of these lesions is directly proportional to sun exposure. […] If the lesions do not respond to topical therapy, they can be treated with cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen spray for 5-20 seconds.
  • #3 Optimal treatment of actinic keratoses
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3549675/
    The most compelling reason and primary goal of treating actinic keratoses is to prevent malignant transformation into invasive squamous cell carcinoma, and although there are well established guidelines outlining treatment modalities and regimens for squamous cell carcinoma, the more commonly encountered precancerous actinic lesions have no such standard. […] A number of treatment options are available to treat the AK lesions, thus reducing the risk for progression as well as providing symptomatic relief in the cases that are irritating and/or pruritic. […] Current approved topical therapies include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 0.5%5% cream, imiquimod 5% and 3.75%, diclofenac sodium gel 3%, and ingenol 0.015% and 0.05% gel. […] The most commonly used therapy for AK treatment is cryotherapy either sprayed with a cryogun or placed directly on the lesion with a cotton swab.
  • #3 Actinic Keratosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Medical Care, Surgical Care
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1099775-treatment
    Ingenol mebutate topical was approved by the FDA in 2012 for treatment of actinic keratosis. […] The most experience in topical therapy for actinic keratoses is with 5-FU, which inhibits thymidylate synthetase and causes cell death in actively proliferating cells. […] The most popular formulation is the 5% cream, which is applied twice daily for 1 month. […] Imiquimod is a topical medication that up-regulates a variety of cytokines, which in turn invoke a nonspecific immune response and a specific immune response. […] Topical diclofenac sodium 3% gel is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of actinic keratosis. […] Tirbanibulin topical is a novel microtubule inhibitor approved by the FDA in 2020 for the treatment of actinic keratosis. […] Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a light-sensitizing compound that preferentially accumulates in actinic keratosis cells.
  • #3 Actinic Keratoses Treatments – Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna
    https://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/500_599/0567.html
    Cryosurgery with liquid nitrogen, the most common treatment for AKs in the United States, is most appropriate when discrete AKs are present. […] With topical drug therapy, medicated creams, gels or lotions are applied to the surface of the skin to remove multiple lesions, above and below the surface of the skin. […] Topical treatments, such as the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), are most commonly used for patients with multiple lesions. […] Experts suggest topical fluorouracil (5FU) may be the most efficacious with comparable tolerability compared to imiquimod. […] A meta-analysis of 3 randomized trials (n = 364) found that treatment with diclofenac gel resulted in complete resolution of AKs in approximately 40 % of patients as compared with 12 % with placebo. […] Imiquimod cream (Aldara, Zyclara) is indicated for the treatment of AK.
  • #3 Actinic keratosis: Causes and prevention
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318466
    In cases where a person only has a few spots or patches, a healthcare professional may recommend removing the affected area through minor surgery. […] Surgical procedures for actinic keratosis include cryotherapy, curettage, electrosurgery, chemical peels, and photodynamic therapy. […] Following treatment, people may require repeat visits to a dermatologist. These are often yearly but will be more frequent for people with compromised immune function. […] Early diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratoses can prevent them from developing into skin cancer.