Actinic
keratoses (AKs) are common and may be
characterized by rough, red, scaly patches, crusts
or sores. They are often referred to as “precancers”
of the skin. In approximately 10-15% of cases,
they transform to a skin cancer called squamous
cell carcinoma.
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AKs are usually found
in fair-skinned people on their face, lips,
scalp, neck, forearms, and back of the hands
– areas of chronic sun exposure. |
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Individuals with poor
immune systems are also at greater risk for
developing AKs. |
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AKs are usually found
on older people because they take years to
develop; however, even people in their 20s
and 30s can develop AKs. |
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A number of therapies
are available for AKs: cryotherapy (liquid
nitrogen spray), Efudex
cream (5-fluorouracil),
Aldara cream (Imiquimod) and Photodynamic
Therapy with Levulan (ALA-PDT) are among the
most common therapies. |
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