Restore the health of your skin with actinic keratosis treatment at Brentwood Dermatology
What is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a common condition that causes the formation of scaly, dry, pinkish patches of skin that refuse to respond to external hydration, such as lotion or heavy moisturizers.
Often referred to as a “precancerous skin condition,” actinic keratosis increases one’s risk of developing skin cancer, which is why it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible.
Actinic Keratosis FAQs
Learn more about actinic keratosis, including its causes, what this precancerous skin condition looks like, and how actinic keratosis is treated in Brentwood, TN, by our board-certified dermatologists.
The most common cause of actinic keratosis is skin damage caused by years of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. Typically, this skin condition affects individuals 40 years of age and over.
No, actinic keratosis is not skin cancer. Instead, actinic keratoses are precancerous, which means they pose a small risk of turning into skin cancer.
More specifically, actinic keratosis can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. This skin cancer may become deadly if left untreated, which is why it’s essential to receive a professional skin evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan if you’re experiencing any actinic keratosis symptoms.
When examining your skin for signs of actinic keratosis, there are a few things to look out for. Or, more specifically, feel for, as actinic keratoses are often easier to feel rather than see.
Signs and symptoms of actinic keratosis typically include patches of skin that are:
When visiting Brentwood Dermatology for a professional actinic keratosis diagnosis in Brentwood, TN, our board-certified dermatologists will often detect and diagnose this skin condition simply by examining the affected area, as actinic keratosis features are quite distinct.
Since actinic keratosis causes patches of dry, scaly, red skin, the affected area may sometimes itch or become irritated. This may be remedied with professional actinic keratosis treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.
No. Actinic keratosis is not a contagious skin condition; it cannot spread from person to person through direct or indirect contact.
It is uncommon for actinic keratoses to clear up on their own. In many cases, actinic keratosis may temporarily go away, but often return after repeated exposure to UV rays.
When left untreated, actinic keratoses may develop into skin cancer, which is why it is essential to get this skin condition treated as soon as you notice its signs and symptoms.
Everyone’s skin is different, so a dermatological consultation is the only way to diagnose your skin issues. Once a dermatologist has examined your skin and assessed your overall health, we can create an individualized plan to treat your actinic keratosis.
Actinic keratosis treatment at Brentwood Dermatology typically include one or more of the following:
To learn more about our actinic keratosis treatment in Brentwood, Tennessee, contact our clinic. Our board-certified dermatologists are happy to answer any questions you may have about this condition and our treatment methods!
Board-Certified Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Brentwood, TN
If you’re showing symptoms of actinic keratosis, it is important to reduce your risk of it turning into skin cancer by visiting a board-certified dermatologist for a professional skin evaluation, diagnosis, and actinic keratosis treatment plan.
Schedule actinic keratosis treatment in Brentwood, Tennessee, by requesting an appointment online or by calling (615) 377-3448.
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 615.377.3448.