Repeated, prolonged sun exposure causes sun damage that appears as altered skin color and texture, especially in people with fair complexions. Sun-damaged skin often appears dry and wrinkled and may form rough, scaly spots called Actinic Keratoses. Treatment of an Actinic Keratosis requires removal of the damaged skin cells. New skin then forms from the deeper skin cells, which have escaped sun damage.

Why treat an Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratoses are not skin cancers. However, they may sometimes turn cancerous, which is why they should be removed. Actinic Keratoses are treated by Dr. Green for patients in the DC, Virginia, and Maryland regions.

How do I treat an Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratoses can be removed surgically, but are more often removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen or the application of a prescribed cream that specifically targets sun-damaged skin cells. When there are multiple Actinic Keratoses or a large area of involvement, the prescribed cream will be the most efficient form of treatment.

How do I prevent an Actinic Keratosis?

You should avoid unnecessary sun exposure and protect your skin when outside. Once sun damage has progressed to the point where Actinic Keratoses develop, new keratoses may appear even without further sun exposure.