What is a hypertrophic actinic keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch or bump on the skin. It’s also known as a solar keratosis. 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.
How is hypertrophic actinic keratosis treated?
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.
What does hypertrophic actinic keratosis look like?
AKs often appear as small dry, scaly or crusty patches of skin. They may be red, light or dark tan, white, pink, flesh-toned or a combination of colors and are sometimes raised. Because of their rough texture, actinic keratoses are often easier to feel than see.
What percent of actinic keratosis turns into cancer?
Only about 10 percent of actinic keratoses will eventually become cancerous, but the majority of SCCs do begin as AKs. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell which AKs will become dangerous, so monitoring and treating any that crop up is the only way to be sure.
Can I pick off actinic keratosis?
While an actinic keratosis can sometimes resolve on its own, it usually recurs after further sun exposure; if scratched or picked off, it will return as well.
How can I reduce the risk of actinic keratosis?
A small percentage of actinic keratosis lesions can eventually become skin cancer. You can reduce your risk of actinic keratoses by minimizing your sun exposure and protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The signs and symptoms of an actinic keratosis include:
Are there any signs or symptoms of actinic keratosis?
Also known as a solar keratosis, an actinic keratosis enlarges slowly and usually causes no signs or symptoms other than a patch or small spot on your skin.
How often to use imiquimod cream for actinic keratosis?
Topical imiquimod cream stimulates a local immune response in the skin, leading to destruction of the actinic keratosis cells. It can be applied at home and is typically used two to three times a week for up to 16 weeks, making this a longer course of treatment compared to topical fluorouracil.
When to use ingenol mebutate gel for actinic keratosis?
Topical ingenol mebutate gel injures two important components of actinic keratosis cells — mitochondria (the cells’ powerhouses) and plasma membranes (the cells’ gatekeepers) — leading to destruction of the cells. It is typically applied at home for three consecutive days.