Actinic Keratosis (Pre-Skin Cancer) Treatment in Miami and Hialeah
Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a precancerous skin condition caused by prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. This condition primarily appears on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, neck, and forearms, especially in fair-skinned individuals with light-colored hair and eyes. Actinic keratosis typically develops after the age of 30, with risk increasing as we age
Symptoms of Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis often appears as small, rough patches on the skin that may be red, brown, or the same color as your skin. These spots can range from tiny (1-3 mm) up to the size of a small pea and may have a scaly or gritty texture. They often occur in clusters, surrounded by red or irritated skin, and can cause itching, burning, or stinging sensations. Most commonly found on the head, neck, hands, and other sun-exposed areas, these patches are typically persistent and do not fade on their own.Why Early Treatment of Actinic Keratosis is Important
Actinic keratosis is considered precancerous and, if untreated, can progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common type of skin cancer. Since there’s no way to predict which actinic keratosis spots may become cancerous, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications.Treatment Options for Actinic Keratosis
Our Miami and Hialeah dermatology clinics offer a variety of effective treatment options for actinic keratosis, including:- Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal cells.
- Curettage and Electrosurgery: Scraping away the growth followed by electric current treatment to eliminate remaining cells.
- Topical Medications: Applying treatments like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or imiquimod cream (Aldara) to target and treat actinic keratosis directly.
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A non-invasive option that involves applying a photosensitizing agent to the affected area and using blue light therapy to destroy abnormal cells. Each treatment is tailored to the patient's needs and the severity of the condition. Contact us at (305) 751-7771 (Miami) or (305) 341-7551 (Hialeah) to learn more about our actinic keratosis treatments.
Preventing Actinic Keratosis
The best prevention against actinic keratosis is sun protection. We recommend daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours. Regular self-examinations of your skin can also help you detect any unusual changes early on, especially if you spend significant time outdoors.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you suspect you have actinic keratosis or are interested in learning more about prevention and treatment, our dermatology team is here to help. Contact us at(305) 751-7771 (Miami) or (305) 341-7551 (Hialeah) to schedule a consultation and get expert care for your skin.
