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Actinic Keratoses Treatment in Yakima, Washington
Decades of sun exposure can leave a lasting mark on your skin. If you notice rough, scaly patches that don’t heal and go away, you may have actinic keratoses—precancerous growths caused by sun damage.
At Integrative Dermatology, we provide expert evaluation and treatment to prevent these lesions from progressing into skin cancer.
Recognizing Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses (AK) develop gradually after years of unprotected sun exposure. It often starts developing from sunburns in early childhood. The lesions first appear on areas most exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, ears, hands, and arms.
Common signs of actinic keratoses include:
- Red, scaly patches or rough, dry skin that won’t heal.
- Raised, crusty, or wart-like growths that may be tender to the touch.
- Occasional bleeding, soreness, or itching.
When untreated, actinic keratoses often progress into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. That’s why early detection and treatment are key.
Actinic Keratoses Diagnosis and Treatment
Here at Integrative Dermatology, we take a holistic approach to diagnosing and treating actinic keratosis. If you suspect you suffer from this skin condition, our dermatology providers will thoroughly examine your skin to identify any suspicious growths. If necessary, we will also perform a skin biopsy to rule out cancerous changes.
Depending on the number of lesions and their analysis, our doctors will recommend one or a combination of several treatments:
- Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen) – A quick procedure that destroys abnormal cells by freezing them.
- Topical Medications – Prescription medications that target sun-damaged skin cells and promote new, healthy skin.
- Chemical Peels – A controlled exfoliation technique that removes precancerous cells and improves skin texture.
In more severe cases, we recommend systemic treatments that cure or keep symptoms in check, such as:
Protecting Your Skin For the Future
It is our firm belief, reinforced by over 40 years of experience, that healthy skin needs prevention just as much as it needs targeted, personalized treatment. That is why our doctors always provide custom-tailored sun protection advice to reduce future risk after a successful actinic keratosis treatment.
In addition to daily sunscreen use (with SPF 30+ to block harmful UV rays) and wearing protective clothing and hats on long, sunny days, we recommend regular skin checks to catch new lesions early.
If you’ve noticed persistent dry, scaly patches on your skin, don’t wait for them to develop into a major health problem. Contact Integrative Dermatology today to schedule a skin exam and discuss the best treatment options for you.
