Actinic Keratosis Symptoms, Causes & More
Article Sources
- 1. 'Actinic Keratosis.' The Skin Cancer Foundation, 30 Apr. 2021, www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/actinic-keratosis
- 2. 'Skin Cancer Types: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Overview.' American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common/scc
- 3. 'Actinic Keratosis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/actinic-keratosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354969
- 4. 'Actinic Keratosis: Signs and Symptoms.' American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-symptoms
- 5. 'Actinic Keratosis: Diagnosis and Treatment.' American Academy of Dermatology, [www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-treatment.](http://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/actinic-keratosis-treatment.)
- 6. 'Actinic Keratosis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/actinic-keratosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354975
Cryosurgery & Chemical Peel
Doctors may remove one or two areas of actinic keratosis using cryosurgery, in which liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the affected area. Within a few days, the lesion sloughs off and new skin appears.
A chemical peel is another option a doctor may choose, and it differs from chemical peels available from a salon or for home use. This treatment destroys the upper layers of skin affected by actinic keratosis, leaving swollen, red and sore skin. As healing takes place, healthy skin emerges.
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