Gavini Pediatric & ADHD Clinics

26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 300, Novi, MI 48374 :: 248.348.4200
www.ADHDclinic.com :: www.YourKidsDoctor.com

Actinic KeratosisImage of Actinic Keratosis, a specific type of wart

Actinic Keratosis on the faceImage of Actinic Keratosis on the face, a specific type of wart

Actinic Keratosis

What is Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a premalignant condition of thick, scaly, or crusty patches of the skin. It is more common in fair-skinned people. It is associated with those who are frequently exposed to the sun, as it is usually accompanied by solar damage. Since some of these pre-cancers progress to squamous cell carcinoma, they should be treated. The scaly or crusty part of the bump is dry and rough. The growths start out as flat scaly areas, and later grow into a tough, wart-like area. An actinic keratosis site commonly ranges between 2 and 6 millimeters in size, and can be dark or light, tan, pink, red, a combination of all these, or have the same pigment as the surrounding skin. It may appear on any sun-exposed areas.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of a Actinic Keratosis may include:
  • It may appear on any sun-exposed area, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, chest, backs of hands, forearms, or lips.
  • Usually more than one lesion is present.
  • Have a rough texture.
  • Itch, burn, or sting.
  • Range in size from 1mm to 3mm or larger (about the size of a small pea).
  • Be numerous, with several patches close together.
  • Be surrounded by red, irritated skin.

Causes

  • Sun-exposed skin
  • It is seen most often in pale-skinned, fair-haired, light-eyed people, beginning at age 30 or 40 and becoming more common with age.

Treatment

Cryo-Pen SystemImage of CryoPen

Early treatment of actinic keratosis is recommended to stop the possible progression to a type of skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma).
CyroPen: This is the state-of-the-art treatment modality that freezes the lesion to -130F. The rods in the Helium cooled devise come in various diameters to suit various lesion sizes. The Cryopen rod is applied to the lesion 10 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness and toughness of the lesion. The freezing will cause a blister which may last for 3 to 5 days before it scabs. The scab will fall off within 2 weeks. This skin area will remain light colored for a few months and would completely disappear, leaving no scars or discoloration.

CryoPen advantages are:
  • No contact with dangerous cryogenic gases or liquids
  • No need for Anesthesia, no pain and healing without scarring
  • Simple, safe, economical and effective treatment