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Patients who have developed an actinic keratosis due to too much exposure to the sun or other sources of UV light can turn to treatments to help get rid of it while it is still in its early stages. To learn more about actinic keratosis treatments in Boston, MA, patients are advised to contact the Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center.
What Is an Actinic Keratosis?
An actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) is a precancerous skin lesion that looks like a scaly, rough patch. It is the result of spending too much time being exposed to the sun or even tanning beds.
Actinic keratoses can be found on multiple parts of the patient’s body that have been bombarded with UV radiation. This includes the ears, face, forearms, lips, the back of the hands, and the neck.
This skin condition can be prevented by cutting back on UV exposure and using products that block the radiation. Actinic keratoses can also be treated before they become cancerous.
Actinic Keratosis Symptoms
Patients can determine if they have an actinic keratosis by looking for certain symptoms. If they see a patch of skin that is dry, rough, or scaly, this can be indicative of this skin condition. It would be around an inch in diameter and can have a range of colors from pink to brown. The patch of skin can also be itchy or crusty and might occasionally bleed.
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Actinic Keratoses?
Those most at risk of developing actinic keratoses are patients who spend too much time under the sun, either by sunbathing or working outdoors. Not using protective skin products like sunblock also increases the risk. This skin problem is most commonly found among patients 40 years old and above and those with particularly pale or sensitive skin.
Your Consultation
To have your actinic keratosis professionally diagnosed, it will be necessary to schedule a consultation. The patch of skin will be examined, and a biopsy may also be conducted. Finally, the doctor will recommend a proper treatment method.
Treating Your Actinic Keratoses
Treating actinic keratoses can often be done with skin creams prescribed during consultations. If the skin condition has become too severe, there are surgical options available where the patch of skin will be frozen, scraped, burned using a laser, or treated with a chemical solution.
Actinic Keratosis Treatment Aftercare
The recovery period following the treatment for an actinic keratosis will depend on the type of treatment used. Using skin creams should not involve any downtime as long as patients follow the instructions. If surgical options were used, patients will be given instructions on how to care for the affected area.
How Much Does an Actinic Keratosis Treatment Cost?
Due to the numerous options in treating actinic keratosis, the cost will often be different depending on the case. Patients can learn about prices during the consultation.
Contact Us for Actinic Keratosis Treatment
Patients are advised to schedule a consultation as soon as possible to learn more about treatment options for actinic keratosis in Boston, MA. Contact Westford Dermatology & Cosmetic Center to arrange your consultation.
Your procedure will be performed by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Franks in Boston, MS.