Are you worried about dry or discolored patches on your skin that won’t heal? These could be early signs of actinic keratosis, often caused by many years in the sun.
Even though they seem small, they could turn cancerous with time. That is why Cryosonic in Birmingham provides advanced cryotherapy treatments. These treatments safely and effectively solve the problem.
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a skin condition that happens after being in the sun for a long time. It is known as precancerous, which means it could turn into skin cancer if you do not treat it. Finding it early is important. This begins with knowing what signs to look for.
Here are four key signs that might show actinic keratosis:
1. Rough, Scaly or Sandpaper-Like Patches
One of the first signs of AK is a dry, rough spot on the skin that feels like sandpaper. It may be small and flat. However, unlike normal dry skin, it does not disappear with moisturizer. These spots are often easier to feel than to see, and they can mix in with the skin around them.
2. Persistent Red or Pink Spots
AK lesions can look like flat or slightly raised red or pink spots. They may seem like a rash or a small mark, but they do not heal or go away. At first, these spots might appear harmless, but over time, they can become thicker or feel more uncomfortable.
3. Crusty or Flaky Surface
The top layer of an actinic keratosis spot often gets crusty or flaky. It can look like a dry patch or a scab that never fully heals. This ongoing crusting is a sign that the skin is changing in a way that it should not.
4. Itching, Burning, or Tenderness
Some actinic keratoses may feel itchy, sting, or feel tender. This means the skin is inflamed and might be getting worse. If a spot hurts or bleeds, you should have it checked right away.
Does actinic keratosis return after the treatment?
Yes, actinic keratosis (AK) can return even after treatment. While effective treatments—like cryotherapy, topical creams, or light therapy—can remove existing lesions, they don’t stop new ones from forming.
That’s because actinic keratosis is caused by long-term sun damage, and the skin in affected areas often has what’s called “field cancerisation”—meaning other, invisible damaged cells are still present and may develop into new lesions over time.
Can Actinic Keratosis Turn Into Cancer?
Yes, actinic keratosis (AK) can develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common and potentially serious form of skin cancer. While most AKs stay benign, around 5–10% may progress to SCC over time, especially if they’re left untreated or exposed to continued sun damage.
Because AKs are caused by UV damage, the skin in the surrounding area may also be at risk. Treating actinic keratosis early not only removes the visible lesions but also helps prevent the development of skin cancer in the future.
Cryotherapy, or freezing treatment, is widely considered one of the best options for actinic keratosis treatment Birmingham due to its effectiveness and ease. This treatment involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the abnormal skin cells, which causes them to die and eventually peel away.
One of the key advantages of cryotherapy is that it’s quick and non-invasive. The procedure is relatively simple and typically takes just a few minutes per lesion. It doesn’t require any cuts or stitches, which means it’s a non-surgical treatment that requires minimal recovery time.
Most patients can go about their daily activities immediately after treatment, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.
Cryotherapy has also proven to be highly effective for treating actinic keratosis. Studies show that it offers a high success rate, especially for treating individual or small groups of lesions.
By freezing the damaged skin cells, it prevents the AK from progressing to more serious conditions like squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Early treatment significantly reduces the risk of AK turning cancerous.
Additionally, cryotherapy is cost-effective compared to other treatments like lasers or photodynamic therapy, making it an affordable option for many people looking to treat actinic keratosis. It’s accessible and provides a straightforward solution for removing these precancerous lesions.
When it comes to actinic keratosis treatment Birmingham, cryotherapy is an effective solution that offers noticeable improvements in skin health.
Below, we highlight the before and after results of cryotherapy for AK, so you can see what to expect from the treatment.
Before cryotherapy, actinic keratosis spots usually look like rough, scaly patches on the skin. You can often find them on places that are often in the sun, like the face, ears, hands, and scalp.
These spots can change color from red to brown. They may feel dry or tender.
At this stage, AK lesions are usually precancerous. This means they can change into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) if not treated.
Some people may feel itching, burning, or tenderness in the affected areas. These spots may not hurt or seem urgent at first, but it’s important to treat them early. This helps stop them from getting worse or turning into a more serious issue.
After Treatment:
After cryotherapy, you’ll see a big change in the area that was treated. The freezing targets the unusual cells. This causes the lesions to form blisters and then fall off, leaving healthy skin.
Usually, in 7 to 10 days, the area that was treated will heal. You will see smoother and clearer skin.
Many patients say they feel a clear improvement in how their skin looks and feels. The rough, scaly patches that used to be there will disappear. The skin will feel smoother and have a more even color.
Minimal scarring is expected. Any redness or swelling that happens after the procedure usually goes away in a few days.
Preventing actinic keratosis (AK) means protecting your skin from too much sun. You also need to take steps to lower the damage to your skin. Here are several ways to help prevent AK:
1. Limit Sun Exposure
The best way to prevent actinic keratosis is to reduce your time in the sun. Stay away from the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is when UV rays are their strongest.
2. Use Sunscreen
Always use a broad sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it again every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating. This will help keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Wear clothes that cover your skin. Use long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses. Choose ones that help block UV rays. Pick fabrics that have UPF ratings for more safety.
4. Seek Shade
Whenever you can, stay in the shade, especially during the hottest hours of the sun. Use umbrellas or canopies if you are outside for a long time.
5. Avoid Tanning Beds
Artificial UV light from tanning beds can hurt your skin. Stay away from them to protect your skin from sunburn. This will help stop early aging and the growth of AK.
6. Check Your Skin Regularly
Do self-exams to see if you have any strange changes or new spots on your skin. Finding AK early can help get fast treatment and stop it from turning into skin cancer.
7. Use Vitamin A Derivatives
Topical treatments like retinoids, which are Vitamin A derivatives, can help lower the chances of getting AK by encouraging skin cell renewal. Talk to a dermatologist before using them for skin care.
8. Moisturize
Dry and damaged skin can get actinic keratosis more easily. To help avoid irritation and harm, keep your skin hydrated. Use moisturizers that work well for your skin type.
9. Get Regular Dermatological Check-ups
Regular visits to a skin doctor can help find early signs of actinic keratosis and other skin problems. A skin doctor can do a complete skin check and suggest ways to prevent these issues.
10. Healthy Diet and Hydration
A healthy diet that includes plenty of antioxidants and staying hydrated can help your skin. This will make your skin better at handling UV damage.
By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing actinic keratosis and protect your skin from further sun damage. For more information, contact us today