Actinic Keratoses

Actinic Keratoses (AK’s) are pre-malignant changes in the skin characterized by persistent, red, scaly areas. While they may be rubbed off and seem to disappear, they will recur in the same areas unless treated. They occur predominantly on areas of the skin that have had significant sun exposure. Actinic keratoses are most commonly treated with cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen), topical anti-cancer agents, photodynamic therapy, or ablative laser resurfacing. Good sunscreens and minimizing sun exposure are important in the prevention of these lesions which are often precursors to squamous cell carcinoma.