Solar Keratosis

Do you or someone you know have a case of actinic keratosis? If so, then you already know how frustrating it can be to have a spot on your skin that resulted from too much exposure to the sun. You can cover it up and pretend it’s not there, but the fact of the matter is that it still is, and you’re looking for a way to get rid of it completely. Or perhaps you have several spots that have been giving you trouble. Whatever your situation, there are a few options for treatment when you have actinic keratosis. Here is a short list of commonly used methods.

The first method is actually no treatment at all. As a matter of fact, up to a fourth of all cases of actinic keratosis will clear up on their own within a year’s time. If you only have one, your physician may advise you to leave it alone, assuming it’s not causing any other symptoms, because it may disappear on its own. While there is a chance of it going away on its own, you should still contact your doctor if you notice any changes in its appearance, or if it becomes tender, since these may be signs of a more serious condition.

Freezing the spot away is another commonly used method in the treatment of actinic keratosis, which is especially common for people who only have a few spots on their skin to get rid. This process is called cryotherapy or cryosurgery. Liquid nitrogen is used to clear up the spot, since it is so cold that it actually destroys tissue. An actinic keratosis spot can be sprayed with this substance, which destroys the spot, and it falls off a few days later. Only a small scab is left, and over time, the scab is usually replaced by healthy skin, so that it is very faint, or not even visible at all. Take note that treatment with liquid nitrogen usually causes the surrounding skin to blister for a few days; this is normal.

Creams and gels are also commonly used to treat these spots. This method is useful when you have many spots on your skin, where frequent freezing would otherwise be necessary. Commonly used gels include diclofenac, which might take up to 3 months to clear up the skin. Your doctor may also use a substance called 5-fluorouracil, which is administered over a 3- to 6-week period.

Another option for treating actinic keratosis is photodynamic therapy, which involves the use of a special light to “zap” away the spots on your skin. The process involves spreading a certain gel over the affected area, and then a special light is focused on the area, which kills the abnormal cells. This option is often used when there is a large number of spots on the skin, which freezing or gels may not be able to treat. This is considered the “heavy duty” option, and while it is effective, it is obviously the most expensive.