Actinic Keratosis
Actinic Keratosis
By itself Actinic Keratosis is harmless, but a small percentage have been known to develop into skin cancer later in life – removal of the growth is usually effective.
How does Actinic Keratosis occur?
Through years of continued sun exposure, UV radiation accumulates, and over time causes premature aging of the skin in the form of fine lines and wrinkles.
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to redness and thickening of the skin to produce liver spots and eventually the formation of Actinic Keratosis.
Ideal Treatment Area(s)
AKs are usually found on the face, scalp, backs of hands, chest, or other sun-exposed areas.
Expectations
They begin as flat, scaly areas later developing a hard, wart-like or rough surface. They typically gray, pink, red or the same colour as the skin.
Liquid nitrogen is the common treatment for AKs which can be painful, and may result in hypo-pigmentation scarring.