Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Boca Raton, FL

What is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a skin growth that is caused by exposure to harmful radiation from the sun. They are typically bumpy, scaly and rough, appearing most often on the face, neck, and other areas that are frequently exposed to sunlight. Although they are not immediately harmful, actinic keratoses are considered precancerous growths. This means that if they are left untreated, they can develop into skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma. For this reason, doctors typically recommend treatment as soon as an actinic keratosis is discovered.

How is Actinic Keratosis Treated?

Actinic keratoses can be treated with a number of techniques, including cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and topical chemotherapy. Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen, which freezes the affected skin growth, causing it to die and fall off. Photodynamic therapy involves the use of a topical medication that is activated by light energy. Once activated, it destroys the affected cells, eliminating the growth. Topical chemotherapy involves the use of a topical solution that is applied to the skin over a period of time. This gradually destroys the cancerous cells over the treatment period.

Which Actinic Keratosis Treatment is Best for Me?

Depending on the size and location of your actinic keratoses, we will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment solution. Small growths, for example, can be easily treated with cryotherapy. Larger growths may require different techniques to ensure a successful treatment.

How is Recovery After Actinic Keratosis Treatment?

Your recovery following treatment will depend largely on the treatment method used. After cryotherapy and photodynamic therapy, patients will notice a gradual change in the appearance of the skin growth until it is eliminated. In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary. After treatment, patients may experience minor redness or sensitivity in the treated area. With topical chemotherapy treatments, patients should notice improvement with daily use of the medication. The use of this treatment will stop when the growth is fully destroyed, and there will be no recovery from this point.

How Much Does Actinic Keratosis Treatment Cost in Boca Raton, FL?

As actinic keratosis can become cancerous, many insurance companies cover procedures that eliminate the condition. To determine if your insurance covers these treatments and if you will be responsible for any additional costs, schedule a consultation with us today. To help keep our treatments both affordable and accessible, we accept all major credit cards as well as financing through CareCredit®.