Actinic Keratosis Treatment
Years of exposure to the sun can cause rough, scaly patches to develop on the skin. This medical skin condition is known as actinic keratosis. Growing slowly at first, usually in people over 40, it often develops on the face, ears, forearms, scalp, neck or back of the hands. Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta provides effective treatment for actinic keratosis, also called solar keratosis, at our clinic in Alpharetta.
Your case of actinic keratosis can vary from others and display different colors and variations of the hard, scaly patches. They can be red, pink or brown, and some people experience itching, burning, bleeding or crusting. It is difficult to tell when a condition like this can be skin cancer, so any skin condition manifesting these symptoms should be examined by a dermatologist.
In about 5-10% of cases, actinic keratosis develops into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Dr. Susan Spitzler and Dr. Emma Murad are board certified dermatologists who can diagnose and treat actinic keratosis, as well as perform an analysis for any type of skin cancer.
Get Relief from Solar Keratosis
Anyone can develop solar keratosis or actinic keratosis, but people with fair skin, freckles and blonde or red hair seem to be at a higher risk. If you work outdoors, are otherwise frequently exposed to the sun or have a weakened immune system, you are also at a higher risk for developing this condition.
If treated early, actinic keratosis can be cleared up or removed without complications. A simple examination is usually all that is needed to diagnose actinic keratosis. Still, Dr. Murad or Dr. Spitzler may also want to take a small skin biopsy for examination in the lab. Some effective treatments they may recommend can include:
- Medicated creams or gels
- Cryotherapy
- Curettage
- Chemical peels
- Dermabrasion
If you develop rough, scaly patches on your skin, and especially if they itch or bleed, contact Spectrum Dermatology of Atlanta for a medical evaluation. We can diagnose and treat actinic keratosis at our clinic in Alpharetta. Treatment is most effective if the condition is diagnosed early, so call now to schedule an appointment.