Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Treatments?

A number of treatments are available for actinic keratoses. The important thing is to get them removed right away, before they develop into serious skin cancer. The treatments include:

• Cryosurgery. Liquid nitrogen "freezes" the surface skin, which causes some skin redness until the area is replaced by new skin. This is the most commonly used treatment.

• Surgical removal and biopsy. The lesion may be removed and examined if there is a possibility it has become cancerous.

• Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives). Whether in cream or pill form, retinoids may be prescribed to normalize growth of keratin cells. Skin irritation is common.

• Chemotherapy. A topical anticancer agent called Efudex may be applied to remove the skin lesion. A red spot may remain for some time.

• Photodynamic therapy. A chemical is applied to the skin and after several hours exposed to a light that activates the chemical to destroy the abnormal skin cells.

• Chemical peel. A chemical solution is applied to the skin to cause blistering and peeling and to trigger new skin growth. Redness and swelling will likely occur.

• Dermabrasion. A rapidly rotating brush is used to "sand" the skin lesion and trigger new skin growth. Skin redness and discomfort are side effects, but medications can bring relief.

• Laser skin resurfacing. In a series of treatments, a carbon dioxide laser removes the skin to the desired depth. Skin redness is the main side effect. A week or two of healing is needed.

• Electrosurgical skin resurfacing. Uses radiofrequency energy to remove skin layers without heat. The procedure can cause mild to moderate swelling.