Actinic keratosis
Alternative names:
keratosis - actinic (solar); solar keratosis; sun-induced skin changes - keratosis
Treatment:
Because actinic keratoses represent precancerous changes, have them examined promptly and follow the health care provider's advice for treatment.
Growths may be removed by cryotherapy (freezing), electrical cautery (burning), or surgery. Growths may also be treated with topical medications that cause peeling or skin removal.
Expectations (prognosis):
By itself, actinic keratosis is benign, but it may develop into skin cancer. Removal of the growth is usually effective.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if areas of persistent roughness or scaliness develop in sun-exposed skin.
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