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Actinic Keratosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

April 09 2021

Actinic Keratosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

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What is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that occurs when a patch of abnormal skin forms. This abnormal patch, which usually grows slowly over the course of several years, generally consists of skin that is rough, dry and patchy. Actinic keratosis can form on many parts of the body, but some of the most common areas include the face, ears, forearms and backs of hands. A small percentage of actinic keratosis patches become cancerous if the condition is left untreated.

Causes of Actinic Keratosis
Frequent exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is the main cause of actinic keratosis. The condition can also develop from UV light exposure in tanning beds. People who have paler complexions that are more prone to sunburns and freckling are often at greater risk of actinic keratosis. The condition is also seen more among people who are over age 60, have weakened immune systems or are carriers of the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Actinic Keratosis Treatment Options
A topical medication that can be applied directly to the skin patch can sometimes be prescribed as an actinic keratosis treatment, and doctors are likely to prescribe this type of medication if a patient has several actinic keratosis patches. The patches can also be frozen off through a treatment process known as cryotherapy. Scraping the patches and using an electric current to eliminate actinic keratosis can additionally be effective. Modern technology that includes the use of laser therapy is another keratosis treatment that often yields great results.

Photodynamic Therapy for Actinic Keratosis
Photodynamic therapy PDT/ALA with Levulan is a revolutionary treatment that many skincare specialists are using on patients to eliminate actinic keratosis patches. After a topical photosensitizing agent known as Levulan has been applied to the skin, a special light can be emitted to the area to destroy an actinic keratosis patch. In addition to treating actinic keratosis, Photodynamic therapy PDT/ALA with Levulan may reduce fine lines and correct skin pigmentation inconsistencies. One treatment session is sometimes all that is needed to remove the problem, but multiple sessions may be needed if a patient has several actinic keratosis patches.

If you are dealing with actinic keratosis visit us at Pure Laser Med Spa, located in Rochester Hills and Farmington Hills, for Photodynamic therapy PDT/ALA with Levulan. To schedule an appointment, contact us today!

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