Call Us

Book Now

Condition

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic keratoses are precancerous skin growths that develop from years of sun exposure. At AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics, our Board-Certified Dermatologists provide comprehensive evaluation and proven treatments for managing these lesions through evidence-based approaches to help prevent their progression.

What Is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis (AK) presents as rough, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas of skin. These lesions develop slowly over time and indicate sun damage to the skin’s DNA. While not all actinic keratoses become cancerous, they are considered precancerous because they have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

What Causes Actinic Keratosis?

Several factors contribute to the development of actinic keratoses:

  • Cumulative sun exposure
  • UV radiation (both natural and artificial)
  • Advanced age
  • Fair skin
  • Weakened immune system
  • History of sunburns
  • Outdoor occupation or activities

While sun protection can help prevent new lesions from forming, existing damage from past UV exposure cannot be reversed through preventive measures alone. These lesions require medical attention as they represent sustained skin damage that may progress without appropriate treatment.

Symptoms and Impact

Actinic keratoses have distinct characteristics that help identify them:

  • The patches typically feel rough or scaly and may be easier to feel than see.
  • They can appear red, pink, or flesh-colored and may develop a white or yellowish scale on the surface.
  • These lesions commonly occur on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, scalp (especially in bald individuals), ears, neck, backs of hands, and forearms.

Some people experience tenderness, itching, or burning in affected areas. The patches may become inflamed or bleed occasionally, which can be signs of progression toward skin cancer. It is always best to have a professional examine the affected areas instead of relying on self-diagnosis to properly determine cancer risks.

What Actinic Keratosis Treatments Are Available?

At AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics, we offer advanced treatment for actinic keratoses. Our Board-Certified Dermatologists will evaluate your specific case to recommend the most appropriate treatment approach based on the number and location of lesions, your medical history, and other individual factors that may affect treatment success.

Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy

This specialized treatment combines a photosensitizing solution with controlled exposure to light. During the procedure, the Levulan solution is carefully applied to the affected areas and allowed to penetrate the damaged skin cells. After an incubation period, the treated area is exposed to a specific wavelength of light that activates the solution, selectively destroying the precancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue. This treatment is particularly effective for treating multiple lesions in a single session and may help prevent new lesions from forming in the treated area.

Contact Us for Your Personalized Treatment Plan

If you’re concerned about rough, scaly patches that could be actinic keratoses, early evaluation and treatment are important. At AboutSkin Dermatology and Aesthetics, our Board-Certified Dermatologists will carefully assess your skin and develop a treatment strategy that addresses both existing lesions and prevention of future sun damage. We combine our dermatological expertise with advanced treatment options to help manage your skin health effectively.

Call 303-756-7546 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and learn how photodynamic therapy may help address your actinic keratoses.

Book Your Consultation

Pinpoint Skin Issues From Home

With AboutSkin’s virtual consultations, you can easily highlight specific skin concerns on your face or body and connect with a dermatology professional. Receive personalized guidance and a custom care plan—all from the comfort of home. Schedule your consultation today!

Virtual Consultation

Patient Testimonials

Let Your Skin Glow

Let Your Skin Glow

Let Your Skin Glow

Let Your Skin Glow

Let Your Skin Glow

Tag us on Instagram @aboutskindermatology

Book Your Consultation Today

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By clicking submit you consent for us to contact you by phone, text or email using to the data provided, even if the contact info is on a state or national DNC list. You also consent to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Greenwood Village Office

5340 South Quebec ST., STE. 300 (South Entrance)
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

(303) 756-7546

Subscribe to our eblasts

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.