Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Knoxville, TN
Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that most commonly appears as a rough, scaly patch on the skin. In most serious cases, actinic keratosis can lead to skin cancer. The condition can occur on almost any part of the body, but it is most common in areas that receive frequent sun exposure.
To learn more about actinic keratosis treatment, please call (423) 482-8711 or contact Dr. Dalal Akoury online.
Actinic Keratosis Causes
Actinic keratosis is sometimes known as solar keratosis. This is because the most common cause of actinic keratosis is excessive sun exposure. For most people, this exposure occurs over many years rather than all at once. The actual keratosis forms due to the UV radiation found within sunlight.
Actinic keratosis is caused by UV exposure, and certain risk factors can increase a person's likeliness of contracting the condition. These include:
- Advanced age
- Frequent sunburn
- Pale or fair skin
- Family history
- Certain autoimmune diseases
It's also possible to suffer from actinic keratosis as a result of tanning bed use.
Actinic Keratosis Symptoms
The only real symptom of actinic keratosis is the affected patch of skin itself. For most people, the patch appears to be slightly raised and coarse to the touch. Actinic keratosis growths are often described as being:
- Raised
- Red, pink or brown
- Itchy
- Scaly
- Hard
The exact appearance of the growth will vary depending on the individual case. Actinic keratosis can technically occur on any part of the body, but it is most common on the:
- Chest
- Face
- Hands
- Arms
- Neck
- Scalp
- Ears
It's important to see a doctor immediately after noticing any irregular skin growth.
Actinic Keratosis Treatment
There are many treatments available for actinic keratosis. Treatment typically begins with an initial examination of the affected area. A biopsy may be taken to determine if the growth is cancerous or pre-cancerous. From there, a specific treatment plan can be developed.
Common treatments for actinic keratosis include:
- Topical treatments: A range of creams may be used to treat areas of sun damage and actinic keratoses.
- Photodynamic Therapy: In this type of treatment, special photodynamic light is used to destroy the skin cells that are causing the growth to form.
- Cryotherapy : As the name implies, this treatment involves freezing and then removing the actinic keratosis.
- Curettage: This is the most direct method of treating actinic keratosis; after administering local anesthesia, special surgical tools are used to “scrape” away the cells.
Request Actinic Keratosis Information Now
Ultimately, there is no best actinic keratosis treatment. Instead, it depends on the individual needs of the patient and how advanced the condition is. Request more information now: call (423) 482-8711 or contact Dr. Dalal Akoury online.
AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center
Address
1604 Lamons LaneSuite 202
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 482-8711
www.awaremed.com
Hours
Mon:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm