Will Keratosis Treatments Work?

Topical Medications

Medicated solutions and creams are quite effective applications, when either applied alone, or combined with other treatment forms. This is when you suffer from multiple actinic keratosis. The FDA has approved 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) liquid or ointment, in concentrations ranging from 0.5- 5 percent, as a means of treating this form of keratosis. It is a highly favored application that is effective against subclinical lesions, as well as surface ones. You can achieve a cure rate of up to 93%, if you apply 5- FU the right way. Even though crusting, swelling and reddening may occur, these are only temporal. Lesions will usually heal within two weeks after treatment is stopped. Only in rare circumstances does scarring take place and you will enjoy the outcome you obtain.

Another FDA-approved cream, Imiquimod 5% works differently. This is by stimulating the body’s immune system to release interferon, a chemical active in destroying both precancerous and cancerous cells. Most keratosis patients tolerate this medication well, but some develop ulcerations and redness.

Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug that is non-steroidal, used in keratosis therapy. It is utilized in combination with a chemical occurring in the body by nature, known as hyaluronic acid. The gel which results is then applied two times daily for between two and three months. Whereas diclofenac prevents anti-inflammatory response and promotes toleration, hyaluronic acid delays its uptake, hence boosting skin diclofenac levels. In particular, individuals who are hyper-sensitive to alternate topical treatments, show good response to this combination therapy.

Cryosurgery

This therapeutic method is best preferred where only few lesions exist on skin. It also eliminates need for anesthesia, or cutting. Growths are rather frozen by use of liquid Nitrogen applied with either cotton-tipped applicator, or spraying device. These lesions then shrink, or crust off the skin surface.

Combination Therapies

Two modes of therapy may work better than a singular one. You may utilize either simultaneous or sequential treatment as this can both minimize side effects and improve rate of cure.

Chemical Peeling

Chemical peeling can be used for eradicating facial actinic keratoses, as it also is popular as anti-aging cream. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is applied to the skin directly, or chemical agents similar to it.

Laser Surgery

An erbium or carbon dioxide YAG laser gets focused onto the lesion prone area, during laser surgery. This light beam cuts across tissue without occasioning bleeding.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

PDT is useful when utilized on scalp or facial lesions. The photosensitizing agent, 5 aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), is applied to lesions, which eventually destroys keratosis cells.

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