Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Colorado: Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Skin
Actinic keratosis may look like a small rough patch of skin, but it should never be ignored. It’s one of the most precancerous signs caused by long-term sun exposure. At Clarity Dermatology, we love your skin health as much as you do. If you spot actinic keratosis, we offer advanced skin care solutions to help maintain healthy, confident skin. With six convenient offices in Colorado, including Parker, Colorado, our skin care physicians offer personalized care to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.
What does actinic keratosis refer to?
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a skin condition that can progress to cancer and is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This UV exposure can come from the sun or tanning beds. UV radiation damages DNA in skin cells, causing them to grow abnormally over time.
It’s important to understand that actinic keratosis is not cancer. Research indicates that around 1% to 10% may advance to squamous cell carcinoma, a prevalent form of skin cancer.
Actinic keratosis is likely to show up in areas exposed to the sun, such as your:
- Scalp
- Cheeks
- Ears
- Face
- Forehead
- Back of the hands
You may also develop an actinic keratosis on your legs if you wear shorts more often, or on your back if you spend a lot of time in the sun without a shirt. While AK does not discriminate, certain groups are at high risk. You are at higher risk of developing AK if you have fair skin, spend more time in the sun, are 40 or older, or have a compromised immune system.
What are the visual and tactile characteristics of actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratoses are small skin lesions that can vary in size, color, and texture. They may appear as red or pink spots, with a rough, gritty scale. Sometimes, they may cause itching or sensitivity to touch.
A scaly spot that causes pain, grows rapidly, bleeds, or forms sores may not be an actinic keratosis. Any of these symptoms may be signs of skin cancer, so it’s important to see your dermatologist immediately.
How do you treat actinic keratosis?
Your skin doctor diagnoses AK by physically examining your spot to assess its appearance or texture. You may not need a biopsy unless we suspect skin cancer. Once diagnosed with actinic keratosis, treatment options include:
- Topical medications: Prescription creams may target multiple lesions and treat sun-damaged skin over a larger area. These creams either destroy damaged skin cells or trigger the immune system to clear them. Topical medications may cause temporary redness, but it’s not something you should worry about.
- Photodynamic therapy: The skin doctor may combine a special light with specific medicine to target and destroy damaged cells. It’s excellent for treating larger areas with several AKs.
- Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezes and destroys abnormal skin cells. This is one of the most common treatments for isolated lesions. The treated area may temporarily blister or form a scab as the damaged skin sheds and healthier new skin cells gradually replace it.
At our office, it’s not just about treatment—it’s also about being proactive about your skin health. Our dermatology team will advise you to prevent actinic keratosis through sun protection and regular skin exams. It’s also good to pay attention to your skin. If something doesn’t feel or look right, see your dermatologist.
Who offers actinic keratosis treatment in the Castle Rock area?
Rough, scaly spots may seem harmless, but they can be early warning signs of significant sun damage. The earlier you treat actinic keratosis, the better the outcome for your skin health. Don’t let treatable skin problems worsen. If you suspect actinic keratosis, dial (720) 686-7546 and schedule an appointment with Clarity Dermatology, serving Castle Rock, Denver Tech Center, Parker, Boulder, Niwot, and Fort Collins.
