There exist a number of treatment options for actinic keratosis. The doctor who diagnoses this condition considers various factors when deciding on the best method to use. First of these is the location, size and number of actinic keratoses lesions present. Second is the profile of results from previous treatments you might have undergone. Third, your physician will ask you for age information, including medical history. This will cover the functioning of your immune system. At last, the doctor you visit for medical evaluation will need to know the treatment methods you best prefer undergoing. The health practitioner might also recommend that you undertake a biopsy exam, before undertaking keratosis therapy. This is done in order to confirm the absence of cancer-causing cells. Biopsy is achieved by cutting out a segment or part of actinic keratoses, so as to examine them under a microscope.
Actinic keratoses may be treated using various safe medications, which are also quite effective. These include 5-fluorouracil formulations, diclofenac and imiquimod cream. Such medications are prescribed for use of up to weeks and months. Depending upon the medication prescribed, your personal regimen for treatment is bound to vary. It also will show deviation in relation to amount of lesions under treatment, ability to handle side effects such as irritation and the application region. It is thus crucial that you follow any instructions issued you by your medical practitioner.
Your doctor should give you the best therapeutic recommendation that suits your keratosis condition. The most effective way to propagate cure for this is by combining therapy of different medications and treatments.
Cryosurgery, which applies liquid Nitrogen to freeze off lesions, shows good tolerance with most patients. Anesthesia is not necessary for this procedure, in spite of short-lived stinging at first Nitrogen application. On another front, lasers focus an intensive light beam on lesions, hence eradicating them along with top skin layers.
It is good practice for patients of actinic keratosis to be patient. This is because apart from the possibility of repetition, some treatments for this condition will be longer than usual. You also should take knowledge that your status might initially appear to deteriorate, before showing good results. Some medications will in fact prompt new keratoses to appear where there were none. Regardless of the mode of treatment you settle on, your physician will monitor the condition of your skin after treatment. This is to ensure you do not suffer hazardous side effects and that keratosis therapy is effective.
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