The Truth Behind Actinic Keratosis

Photodynamic Therapy – Plano and Frisco TXAlthough Texas is one of the greatest states to live in—  wide-open spaces to play in for days— it is also one of the states with the highest reported cases of skin cancer. And even if you don’t have skin cancer, you likely have some precursor signs of this disease in the form of sun damage or more specifically, actinic keratosis. As a form of precancer, actinic keratosis needs to be treated, or else it could develop into cancer later on down the line. To help you better understand this type of precancer, we have created a brief article. Read on to learn more.

What Are the Symptoms?

If you were a beach baby and spent a lot of your childhood out playing in the sun, you are more likely to develop skin cancer or actinic keratosis. In fact, studies say that 80-90% of actinic keratosis is caused by sun damage. So, what are the symptoms of actinic keratosis and how can it be treated? Typically, actinic keratosis exhibits itself in the form of red, scaly patches on the face, arms, legs, and hands.  In the early stages of actinic keratosis, symptoms come and go— leaving patients with itching skin in the process. However, as it advances, symptoms are much more consistent.

What Are Treatments?

Dr. Fiona Wright will do everything in her power to ensure that we can treat your actinic keratosis without the need for surgery. By using a treatment called Photodynamic Photofacial, Dr. Wright uses laser and light sources to target the pre-cancer and get rid of it. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, Photodynamic Therapy is one of the best treatments for actinic keratosis because it’s fast, easy, and effective. Depending on how severe your condition is, Dr. Wright will decipher how many treatment sessions you need.

The good news about actinic keratosis is that it can be easily treated by Dr. Wright. If you would like to learn more about your treatment options or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Fiona Wright’s office today!

Cosmetic Skin Care Specialist Plano, TX