Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Bridgewater NJ
Don’t ignore those rough, scaly sun spots – they’re precancerous and need treatment. PS Dermatology & Surgery offers comprehensive actinic keratosis removal with advanced therapies including cryotherapy, chemical peels, and photodynamic therapy to prevent progression to skin cancer
👨⚕️ Double Board Certified in Dermatology and Mohs Surgery
🎓 Fellowship Trained in Mohs Surgery
What are Actinic keratosis (Sun Spots)?
Actinic keratoses also known as Sun Spots or AKs are some of the most common lesions discovered during skin exams, and are often referred to as ‘pre-cancers’.
– Caused by ultraviolet (UV) light – found in both natural sunlight as well as tanning bed lamps.
– The estimated rate of transformation from AK to skin cancer ranges from less than 1% to well over 10%.
– Even though the transformation from AK to skin cancer is low, they can still turn into skin cancer and the general recommendation is to treatment them rather than monitor them.
Treatment Options
Topical Treatments – Treatments done at home
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)/Calcipotriene: A chemotherapy/Vitamin D combination that destroys AK cells.
- Imiquimod: An immune response modifier that helps the body’s immune system fight AK cells.
- Tirbanibulin: Microtubule inhibitor that disrupts cell growth in AK cells
- Diclofenac gel: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can reduce inflammation and AKs.
With all Topical Treatments you have to consider:
Common Side Effects: Redness, inflammation, scaling, mild discomfort.
Less Common: Skin discoloration, scarring,
In-Office Procedures – procedures done by the dermatologist in the clinic
- Cryotherapy: Freezing AKs with liquid nitrogen.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Applying a photosensitizing solution to the skin and then exposing it to a specific type of light.
- Chemical Peels: Applying a chemical solution to remove the top layers of damaged skin.
- Laser Resurfacing: Using a laser to remove the top layers of skin.
Common Side Effects: Redness, inflammation, scaling, mild discomfort
Less Common: Skin discoloration, scarring
- Important: Any AK treatment requires strict sun avoidance post-procedure for at least a few days.
- Early detection and treatment of AKs is crucial to help prevent the development of squamous cell carcinoma.
- Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Parth Patel are important to monitor treated areas and check for new AKs.
- If you do unfortunately end up having a skin cancer it is not the end-all, be-all, we have the resources and expertise to help get you cancer free.
- Sun protection is essential to prevent AKs and reduce the risk of skin cancer:
- Apply mineral sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily.
- Seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Avoid indoor tanning.
Ready to Treat Those Precancerous Sun Spots?
Early treatment of actinic keratoses is crucial to prevent skin cancer development. Our dermatology specialists provide effective removal options and ongoing monitoring to keep your skin healthy and cancer-free for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Actinic Keratosis Treatment
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly spots that develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin, such as the face, scalp, hands, and arms. They form after years of cumulative sun exposure that damages skin cells, causing abnormal growth over time. Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous, meaning they can sometimes progress to skin cancer if left untreated
Preventing actinic keratosis focuses on protecting your skin from sun damage, which is the main cause of these precancerous spots. Regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours can significantly reduce risk. Routine skin checks, both at home and with a dermatologist, help catch early changes before they develop into lesions.
Actinic keratoses can be effectively treated using a variety of methods, depending on the number, location, and severity of the lesions.
Cryotherapy (freezing) to destroy individual lesions quickly and effectively
Topical prescription creams that treat visible and early, unseen lesions over a larger area
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using light activation to target damaged skin cells
Curettage or surgical removal for thicker or resistant lesions
Dr. Patel will recommend the most appropriate treatment to reduce the risk of progression to skin cancer.
