Actinic Keratosis in Charlotte, NC
Darst Dermatology offers personalized actinic keratosis treatment in Charlotte, Matthews, and the surrounding North Carolina communities.
What Is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancerous condition that appears as scaly or crusty patches of skin. If you have fair skin and have spent a lot of time in the sun, you’re at higher risk for actinic keratosis.
How Is It Treated?
Many treatment options exist to treat actinic keratosis.
Treatment options include the following:
Cryosurgery:
- Destroys the pre-cancerous lesions
- Liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the lesions
- The lesions crust over and peel off
Blu-U/Photodynamic Therapy:
For actinic keratosis lesions on your face or scalp and other parts of they body
Topical Creams:
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treats both surface lesions, as well as those under the skin. Imiquimod cream (Zyclara and Aldara) are topical creams that cause your immune system to produce interferon, a chemical that destroys cancerous and precancerous cells.
This picture was taken after 2 weeks of use of Imiquimod cream, a pre-cancer treatment. The results are expected and normal.
3 Weeks post use of Imiquimod treatment.
3 Months post Imiquimod treatment.
Excision:
Sometimes, a combination of treatment options is the best course of action. Dr. Darst will recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Dr. Darst, a board-certified dermatologist, offers expert actinic keratosis treatment to residents of Charlotte, Matthews, and other Metrolina communities in North Carolina. Schedule a consultation today by calling 704-321-3376. Darst Dermatology is conveniently located at 11301 Golf Links Drive North, Charlotte, NC 28277.