Actinic Keratosis

Actinic Keratosis (AK) is a pre-cancerous condition of the skin that affects more than 10 million people in the United States. AK is seen more frequently among people with fair complexions and those that spend a lot of time in the sun. As with any pre-cancerous condition, early detection and prevention are key to avoiding more serious intervention in the future.

AK lesions are scaly or crusty in appearance and characteristically grow in areas that are most exposed to sunlight. The majority of AK cases involve more than a single lesion, and lesions typically appear in patches. Conventional therapies for AKs include photo light therapy, topical ointments, freezing and surgical excision. The Fraxel technology is a laser based system that not only effectively treats AKs, but also rejuvenates the surrounding skin surface. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, studies show proper sunscreen application can prevent the likelihood of developing more AKs.