Actinic Keratosis In Naperville, IL
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Contact UsWhat is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratosis is a common precancerous skin condition primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. These lesions appear as small, red, or pink-colored spots with a rough sandpaper-like texture. Actinic keratoses tend to be more easily felt than seen, as they can be accompanied by a rough or gritty sensation when running a finger over the affected skin. They are considered precancerous because there is a risk that a small percentage of these lesions may progress to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. It is important to detect and treat them early to prevent any progression.
How is Actinic Keratosis Treated?
Actinic Keratosis is commonly treated with various methods to eliminate or manage the lesions and reduce the risk of progression to skin cancer. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the number of lesions, their location, and the patient's overall health. Your provider will begin with dermoscopy, which is a non-invasive technique to evaluate the skin lesions to determine the treatment plan for you. Some treatment options include:
In-office Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the abnormal cells in AK lesions.
Topical Prescription Medications: Topical medications like imiquimod, fluorouracil (5-FU), or diclofenac are applied directly to the affected skin. These medications work to destroy or induce the immune system to eliminate abnormal cells with the AK lesions.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): PDT involves the application of a photosensitizing agent, such as aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL), to expose the AK lesions. After a specified incubation period, the treated areas are exposed to a specific wavelength of light. This light activates the photosensitizer, leading to the destruction of targeted cells.
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Had an excellent first experience with Oak Derm today. I was seen by NP Emily Schnurstein for facial flushing and hair loss. She listened carefully to all of my concerns and addressed each one of them throughly. The front desk staff was also very pleasant.
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About UsActinic Keratosis FAQs
Are there at-home methods for actinic keratosis?
At-home medicines cannot double for expert supervision for your actinic keratosis; however, they can stop it from worsening or reoccurring after medical care. Some guidelines to help stop and remedy actinic keratosis at home involve limiting sun exposure, applying sunscreen, and eating foods strong in nutrients. Individuals may also thrive from wholesome products like apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, tree oil, and green tea.
Can actinic keratosis come back following treatment?
A good number of occurrences of actinic keratosis can be improved and cured after undergoing professional supervision, such as cryotherapy or laser surgery. It may take as long as three months after therapy for your actinic keratosis to fade. In less common circumstances, the lesion can persist and needs to be tested and medicated once more.
What is the importance between actinic keratosis and seborrheic keratosis?
Although actinic keratosis produces rough or scaled skin nodules because of sun damage, seborrheic keratoses are similar to a mole. They are typically tan or brown in color and spherical or elongated in shape. They could routinely emerge as if they have been fused to the skin similar to a sticky label, while actinic keratosis might have a sensation of a rough area of skin. To confirm the kind of keratosis you are experiencing, you should speak to a Prestige Cosmetic Dermatology specialist who can give you a definitive conclusion.