Fraxel Laser is an advanced laser procedure that targets active acne, acne scarring, and hyper-pigmentation, to help clear the skin of dark spots, discoloration and debris.
Laser treatment for Actinic Keratosis, a non-cancerous skin condition characterized by a dry scaly spot on the skin that can develop into skin cancer if left untreated, is now available at an affordable rate. By using fractional CO2 resurfacing technology, our lasers can destroy the precursor to actinic keratoses without leaving any scars or discoloration of the skin.
Fraxel Laser For Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis (AK) refers to a common skin condition that affects millions of Americans. While the word “kitemark” can conjure up an image of a well-known quality mark, this term actually comes from the Greek word for “little fortress.” In veterinary medicine it is commonly used to describe a viral reproductive organ or egg capsule that surrounds a virus particle.
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous condition that affects areas of skin exposed to the sun. It appears as rough, scaly patches on the skin that can become thick, dry and darker in colour over time. Studies show that infrared light energy like Fraxel laser can be effective in treating AK lesions.
Actinic keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a common precancerous skin condition. It most commonly occurs on the face and neck, but can also appear on your arms, chest, scalp and hands. I recommend treatment with Fraxel Laser for all actinic keratosis patients. The Fraxel Restore® laser is FDA-cleared for the treatment of AK which is caused by sun exposure.
Actinic keratoses are precancerous skin lesions caused by chronic sun exposure. They look like scaly patches on the skin, but actinic keratoses can become cancerous and spread to other parts of your body. For people with these sun spots, treatment is typically recommended to help prevent any further damage or infection. This may include using topical creams or medications, which can be harsh and cause dry skin.
Actinic keratoses are a premalignant skin condition that can affect your skin, causing it to appear scaly, red and scabby. If left untreated, these lesions can become cancerous.
Actinic keratosis is a common, precancerous growth that appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin. It can develop in older adults who have had unprotected sun exposure or in younger adults who also spend time outdoors.
There are two types of actinic keratosis (AK). They are: Typical AK and Nodular AK. Typical AK is also known as Solar Lentigo, solar keratoses or senile keratoses. Nodular AK is also known as actinic cheloid or actinic reticulosis. Both types are benign skin tumours caused by excessive sun exposure mostly on areas of the skin which have been easily exposed to the sun. The main difference between these two types of AK is that some people may be prone to typical or unsightly freckles while others will develop nodular growths which resemble wart-like bumps.
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common, non-cancerous, scaly warts that are usually caused by long-term sun exposure. They can become cancerous if they are not treated. Since AKs can turn into skin cancer, it’s important to treat them right away.
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are noncancerous skin growths that often appear as scaly, rough patches of skin. Left untreated, they may develop into squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratoses typically appear on areas of the body exposed to the sun, and people with darker skin tones are at higher risk.
Actinic Keratosis Laser Treatment
An actinic keratosis sometimes disappears on its own but might return after more sun exposure. It’s hard to tell which actinic keratoses will develop into skin cancer, so they’re usually removed as a precaution.
Medicines
If you have several actinic keratoses, your health care provider might prescribe a medicated cream or gel to remove them, such as fluorouracil (Carac, Efudex others), imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) or diclofenac. These products might cause inflamed skin, scaling or a burning sensation for a few weeks.
Surgical and other procedures
Many methods are used to remove actinic keratosis, including:
- Freezing (cryotherapy). Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Your health care provider applies the substance to the affected skin, which causes blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the damaged cells slough off, allowing new skin to appear. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment. It takes only a few minutes and can be done in your health care provider’s office. Side effects may include blisters, scarring, changes to skin texture, infection and changes in skin color of the affected area.
- Scraping (curettage). In this procedure, your health care provider uses a device called a curet to scrape off damaged cells. Scraping may be followed by electrosurgery, in which a pencil-shaped instrument is used to cut and destroy the affected tissue with an electric current. This procedure requires local anesthesia. Side effects may include infection, scarring and changes in skin color of the affected area.
- Laser therapy. This technique is increasingly used to treat actinic keratosis. Your health care provider uses an ablative laser device to destroy the patch, allowing new skin to appear. Side effects may include scarring and discoloration of the affected skin.
- Photodynamic therapy. Your health care provider might apply a light-sensitive chemical solution to the affected skin and then expose it to a special light that will destroy the actinic keratosis. Side effects may include inflamed skin, swelling and a burning sensation during therapy.
How To Remove Actinic Keratosis At Home
If you have many AKs or AKs that you can feel but not see, your dermatologist may recommend at-home treatment.
When you treat at home, you apply medication to your skin as directed.
The advantage of using a medication to treat your AKs is that the medication can treat many AKs, including the ones you cannot see yet. Using this approach can reduce your risk of developing new AKs and possibly skin cancer.
The downside of applying medication to your skin is that some patients say it’s difficult to follow the treatment plan. To be effective, you need to apply the medication as often as your dermatologist recommends. Even when the medication causes a skin reaction, which indicates that it’s working, you’ll need to keep applying the medication.
After you finish treatment, you’ll see new, healthier skin.
The medications that dermatologists prescribe include the following, which have all been approved by the US. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat AKs:
- 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream: You apply this once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Diclofenac sodium gel: This medication tends to cause less of a skin reaction than 5-FU, but it can still be very effective. You will need to apply it twice a day for 2 to 3 months.
- Imiquimod cream: This can be a good option for the face because you can apply it once (or twice) a week, so you don’t get lots of redness and crusting. You may need to apply it for 12 to 16 weeks.
- Tirbanibulin ointment: This may be an option for treating AKs on your face and scalp. You apply this medication for five days in a row. After five days, the treatment ends.
You want to apply this ointment carefully. Spread it evenly over the skin that your dermatologist says to treat. Avoid applying this ointment to other areas, especially around your eyes or on your lips.
To effectively treat the AKs, your dermatologist may prescribe both a procedure and medication that you apply at home.