NEW TREATMENT FOR PRECANCEROUS LESIONS

When patients develop the precancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratoses traditional methods of treatment include freezing (cryotherapy) or scraping the skin, electrosurgery, excision, laser surgery , and topical chemotherapy. Now the FDA has approved another treatment that is first-of-its kind combined drug-device treatment. Approved to treat actinic keratoses of the face and scalp, it involves a topical application of aminolevulinic acid directly to the lesions. There is then a follow-up procedure 14 to 18 hours later with a special blue light. The new treatment was developed to treat individual lesions, thereby reducing possible skin irritation of unaffected skin. The best strategy for dealing with the rough, scaly red or brown patches still involves avoiding exposures to direct sunlight. When in doubt about skin infection, it pays to check with your dermatologist. Untreatedinfections, stemming from common pimples, boils, rashes, or wounds, can cause permanent pitting and scarring. Attempting to clear an infection using over-the-counter remedies may just delay getting the right medication your infection requires.

P.S. Actinic keratoses are found mostly on light-skinned individuals, including over 50% of elderly fair-skinned people living in hot, sunny climates.