Common treatments and medications for actinic keratosis include Cryotherapy, Chemical Peeling, Topical Applications, Laser Therapy, Curettage, Dermabrasion, Photodynamic Therapy. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment for actinic keratosis.
Treatments and Medications for Actinic Keratosis
New York (USA), June 21, 2013
Treatments Options and Medications for Actinic Keratosis
Common treatments and medications for actinic keratosis include:
Cryotherapy: This is the most common treatment for actinic keratosis. It can be done at doctor’s chamber in few minutes. Liquid nitrogen is applied to skin lesions. This freezes skin leading to peeling and blistering. Lesions fall off when your skin starts healing. Side effects include scarring, darkening of skin, blisters, and possibility of infection.
Chemical Peeling: Chemical solutions like trichloroacetic acid are applied to lesions. Chemicals burn away skin lesions. These eventually peel off within a week. New skin grows. Side effects include redness of skin, scarring, infection, burning sensation, and crusting. This chemical peel s not available across medical stores.
Topical Applications: Topical cream, imiquimod (Aldara), stimulates immune system to reject formation of precancerous cells on skin. Fluorouracil blocks cellular functions within affected skin cells. This kills affected cells. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory topical drug, Diclofenac gel, also provides relief. Side effects of these applications include itching, pain, crusting, burning sensation, and sensitivity to sun exposure at specific site.
Laser Therapy: This is done under local anesthesia. If you are on blood thinners or if other treatments have not been successful, laser therapy offers the best remedy. A carbon dioxide or erbium YAG laser beam is focused on skin lesion. It cuts affected tissue without any bleeding. This is most effective for keratoses of scalp and face.
Curettage: This refers to scrapping of affected skin cells with an instrument called curet. Doctors follow it up with electro surgery performed under local anesthesia. This involves use of a small pencil-shaped instrument to cut off affected skin tissue with electric current. Side effects include scarring, infection, and skin discoloration at treatment site.
Dermabrasion: This is done under local anesthesia. A fast moving brush is used to remove affected skin cells. Your skin heals slowly and new smooth skin appears.
Photodynamic Therapy: A photosensitizing agent is applied topically or injected. Strong laser light pierces your skin and destroys damaged cells. Side effects include swelling, redness, and burning sensation.
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