What is the best treatment for actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Your doctor applies the substance to the affected skin, which causes blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the damaged cells slough off, allowing new skin to appear. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment.

Is Lichenoid keratosis precancerous?

Lichenoid keratosis is harmless and usually clears up on its own. This skin condition isn’t known to cause any type of skin cancer.

What can actinic keratosis be mistaken for?

The reason that it is best to not self-diagnose is because cancerous lesions such as basal or squamous cell carcinoma, or even deadly melanoma, can be mistaken for actinic keratoses.

Is actinic keratosis benign or malignant?

Overview. Unlike most skin conditions caused by the sun, actinic keratosis (AK), which is sometimes called solar keratosis, is usually benign. At least 90 percent of these small, scaly skin spots will not turn into cancer, says Sean R.

Can actinic keratosis be left untreated?

Actinic keratosis (AK) causes rough, scaly skin patches. Left untreated, AK can lead to a skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. The best way to prevent AK is to protect yourself from sun damage. If you notice new red or rough bumps on your skin, call your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

How is lichenoid keratosis treated?

Lichenoid keratosis can be removed if desired by liquid nitrogen, electrosurgery or curettage. Multiple eruptive lichenoid keratoses may be effectively treated with the oral retinoid, acitretin.

Does actinic keratosis spread quickly?

Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis grows slowly and usually first appears in people over 40. You can reduce your risk of this skin condition by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Can a keratosis become cancerous?

Actinic keratoses are very common, and many people have them. They are caused by ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. Some actinic keratoses can turn into squamous cell skin cancer. Because of this, the lesions are often called precancer.

Should keratosis be removed?

A seborrheic keratosis typically doesn’t go away on its own, but treatment isn’t needed. You might choose to have it removed if it becomes irritated or bleeds, or if you don’t like how it looks or feels.