The Basics

Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancerous growth that often is a scaly or crusty growth, commonly on frequently sun-exposed skin. If treated early, this can prevent the development of skin cancer.

 

 What to Expect

If a lesion is suspected to be precancerous, your dermatologist will treat the lesion, prescribe a topical medication, or perform a biopsy.

Actinic keratosis can be treated many different ways such as cryosurgery, trichloroacetic acid, prescription creams, photodynamic therapy, and laser surgery.

Our Recommendations

Annual skin examinations allow for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

If a biopsy is performed, expect to care for the biopsy site by washing it with soap and water and applying Vaseline ointment twice daily to ensure healthy healing.

Ultra™ Clarifying: Fractionated laser technology to resurface the skin to not treat pre-cancers but also improve wrinkles, skin texture, and pigment.