Actinic Keratosis Treatment in 535 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Actinic keratoses are precancerous lesions that appear as subtle, rough, scaly spots on sun-exposed skin. If left untreated, up to 10% may become squamous cell skin cancers. At Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc., we diagnose and treat actinic keratoses with targeted spot treatments and field therapies that clear damaged skin before it can progress.
What Are Actinic Keratoses?
Actinic keratoses (AKs), also called solar keratoses, develop after years of cumulative sun exposure. They are often easier to feel than to see, appearing as rough, sandpaper-like patches that may be pink, red, tan, or skin-colored. They most commonly appear on the face, ears, scalp, lips, forearms, and backs of the hands. AKs traditionally occur in fair-skinned people over 50, but today we are seeing many patients in their 30s with these precancerous lesions.
Why Treatment Matters
Because a portion of actinic keratoses can develop into squamous cell carcinoma, treating them is an important part of skin cancer prevention. Having AKs also signals significant sun damage, which means regular skin cancer screenings are especially important.
Treatment Options
Actinic keratoses are one of the most common conditions dermatologists treat, and we tailor treatment to the number and location of your lesions:
- Liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) – spot-treats individual lesions quickly in the office.
- Topical 5-fluorouracil – a prescription cream applied to an entire area, such as the face or scalp, to treat visible and not-yet-visible damage.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) – topical Levulan activated by BLU-U light treats the entire face or scalp at once, with a lower risk of scarring and the added benefit of improving sun damage, brown spots, and redness.
For patients with many lesions, field treatments like PDT and 5-fluorouracil are often more effective and convenient than repeated freezing.
Preventing New Actinic Keratoses
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing and hats, and avoiding midday sun help prevent new lesions. Learn more about our skin cancer services and medical dermatology care.
Actinic Keratosis FAQs
What is an actinic keratosis?
An actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly precancerous spot caused by long-term sun exposure.
Can actinic keratosis turn into cancer?
Yes. If left untreated, up to 10% of actinic keratoses may become squamous cell skin cancers.
What does actinic keratosis look like?
AKs often appear as rough, sandpaper-like patches that may be pink, red, tan, or skin-colored, and are often easier to feel than see.
How are actinic keratoses treated?
Treatments include liquid nitrogen for individual spots, topical 5-fluorouracil, and photodynamic therapy for larger areas.
Who gets actinic keratoses?
They are most common in fair-skinned adults over 50, but are increasingly seen in people in their 30s with significant sun exposure.
Is photodynamic therapy good for actinic keratosis?
Yes. PDT treats an entire area at once with a lower risk of scarring and also improves overall sun damage.
How can I prevent actinic keratoses?
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing and hats, and avoid peak midday sun.
Treat Precancers Before They Progress
Schedule your skin evaluation at Aesthetic Dermatology And Skin Cancer, Inc.. Call (415) 383-5475 or request an appointment online today.