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ActinicKeratosesNet Article
Why Won't My AKs Go Away?
This is a question
dermatologists occasionally hear from their patients who have spent
years in the sun and have developed numerous actinic keratoses
(AKs). It is important for patients to realize that once extensive
sun damage occurs, AK treatment is not a one-shot deal. Management
of AKs becomes a lifelong process, and both the dermatologist and
the patient play starring roles.
To treat patients
who have extensive sun damage and numerous AKs, dermatologists may
use a combination of therapies. Research shows that this approach
can prove more effective than use of a single therapy and may reduce
side effects. It is important for patients to know:
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Lesions may not clear after the
first treatment.
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Treatment may “highlight” actinic
damage that was not previously visible — a process that
dermatologists call “lightening up.” While the treatment is
effective on visible lesions, it also is making other lesions
apparent.
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A dermatologist may not treat all
lesions, or may treat them at different times.
During treatment,
the patient plays a key role because the effectiveness of a
medication decreases significantly if not used as directed. If you
have trouble with this, be sure to let your dermatologist know. Some
treatment methods require more than one office visit, so it is
important to keep all appointments. Your dermatologist will want to
assess your progress during each visit and may modify the treatment
plan accordingly.
Effective management
of AKs requires that the patient follow a comprehensive
sun-protection plan. Without it, the risk of developing new and
recurrent AKs increases significantly because the primary cause of
AKs is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Research shows that
sun protection may allow the skin to repair some of the damage and
prevent further DNA mutations caused by overexposure to the UV rays
of the sun. So, it is important for patients to make sun protection
a daily part of their life. Sun protection involves, but is not
limited to, the daily use of a broad spectrum (offers both UVA and
UVB protection) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15
or more, avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing
sun-protective clothing. For a complete list of sun protection
practices recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, visit
Prevention.
Reference:
“Guidelines of Care for Actinic Keratoses,” American Academy of
Dermatology
An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of
Dermatology.
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