Actinic Keratosis

 

Actinic Keratosis (or solar keratosis) develop on the surface of the skin due to extensive UV exposure and damage. They are precancerous lesions but only a number of cases develop into squamous cell carcinoma. These growths are more common among individuals with fair skin, light hair and light eyes.

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How To Detect Actinic Keratosis

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• Actinic keratoses can resemble warts and show as scaly, crusty growths on the surface of the skin.

• They tend to occur anywhere where there has been high sun exposure such as the face, bald scalp, lips and the back of the hands.

 

How To Prevent Actinic Keratosis

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• Too much Mohs' surgery and Cryosurgery are done! With the regular use of Imiquimod or Calcipotriene and traditional 5-Fluorouracil in a gentle systematic topical method and PDT (Photo Dynamic Therapy) the amount of surgery, Mohs' surgery and Cryosurgery is stunningly reduced. The secret is team work. 

• Stay out of the sun during peak hours (10am to 4pm), cover the body with protective clothing, especially the arms and the legs, and wear a hat and sunglasses.

• Wear sunscreen year round with a high SPF. Look for products that use the term “broad spectrum” that work against both UVA and UVB rays.

• Self-check skin monthly and contact your dermatologist if there are any changes.

• Schedule regular skin examinations. Anyone with a family history of skin cancer, a history of blistering sunburns, an incidence of 25 moles or more on the body or who are on medications that can compromise the immune system, should have an annual eye exam and appointment with a dermatologist.

• Maintain a regular antioxidant treatment such as serums, creams and pills (Heliocare and Sunisdin) that work to combat free radical damage in skin.

 

Treatments For Actinic Keratosis

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At Kline Dermatology, we offer treatments to cure the actinic keratosis cancer. Following are some of the treatments available:

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• PDT blue light

• Prescription creams

• Cryotherapy

 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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Squamous cell carcinoma is found in the upper, surface layers of the skin epidermis and it the most commonly lethal form of skin cancer. It can develop anywhere, including the inside of the mouth and the genitals, but is most frequently seen on the scalp, face, ears and the back of the hands. It can develop from actinic keratosis spots, which are scaly precancerous lesions.

 

How To Detect Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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• This form of cancer can look like a crusted or scaly patch of skin with an inflamed, red base. It is often tender to the touch.

• Squamous cell carcinoma must be diagnosed by a dermatologist with a biopsy.

 

How To Prevent Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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• Stay out of the sun during peak hours (10am to 4pm), cover the body with protective clothing, especially the arms and the legs, and wear a hat and sunglasses.

• Wear sunscreen year round with a high SPF. Look for products that use the term “broad spectrum” that work against both UVA and UVB rays.

• Self-check skin monthly and contact your dermatologist if there are any changes.

• Schedule regular skin examinations. Anyone with a family history of skin cancer, a history of blistering sunburns, an incidence of 25 moles or more on the body or who are on medications that can compromise the immune system, should have an annual eye exam and appointment with a dermatologist.

• Maintain a regular antioxidant treatment such as serums, creams and pills that work to combat free radical damage in skin.

 

Common Treatments For Squamous Cell Carcinoma

 

At Kline Dermatology, we offer treatments to cure the Squamous cell carcinoma cancer. Following are some of the treatments available:

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• Mohs surgery

• Excision