Actinic Keratosis: Learn About These Precancerous Skin Lesions

Actinic Keratosis is characterized by irregular lesions that can range in size from a tiny dot to as big as a quarter. Usually they are rough and dry, and they can be red or dark depending on your skin tone. They should not be ignored.

Actinic Keratosis usually develops due to over-exposure to sunlight, which is why it’s very important to wear sunscreen. The lesions usually appear on parts of your body most exposed to the sun – arms, face and hands. If ignored, the cellular damage caused can spread throughout the skin; Actinic Keratosis can often be an early sign of a developing skin cancer.

It is vital that you have irregular lesions checked by an experienced dermatologist to be sure. Dr. Umar uses a wide rang of tools to combat the condition. In addition to standard protocols, he also uses 5-FU, liquid nitrogen, Aldara, and photodynamic treatment with the Clear Light-100 laser and photosensitizers.