Actinic keratosis is a skin condition caused by prolonged sun exposure that results in the development of rough and scaly spots on the skin. Although these scaly spots are not cancerous themselves, they have the potential to develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. There are several prescription medications that can be used at home to treat actinic keratosis, and some self-care strategies that can help prevent it from getting worse.
Prescription medications to treat actinic keratosis at home
There are no non-prescription medications for treating actinic keratosis. However, there are several prescription medications that can be used at home to treat this disease. These medications are all topical treatments applied directly to the skin.
5-fluorouracil: This medication is a topical chemotherapy that is widely used and highly effective in treating actinic keratosis. This medication is available under several brand names, including Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex, and Tolak. Depending on the severity of the disease, your dermatologist may recommend applying it once or twice a day for several weeks. The treated areas will eventually become crusty and sore, and you can use healing ointments like Aquaphor after stopping this medication for 7 to 10 days. You may need to repeat the medication, depending on the severity of the lesions.
Diclofenac sodium: This medication is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that helps reduce the appearance of skin lesions. This medication is available under several brand names, including Solaraze, Cambia, and Voltaren. You’ll typically apply it on skin twice a day for 2 to 3 months. If you experience any unwanted side effects, you should let your doctor know and keep applying the gel unless your doctor tells you to stop using it. You’ll also want to avoid exposing your skin to the sun while using diclofenac sodium gel.
Imiquimod: This medication affects your body’s immune response to skin lesions and can be used to treat actinic keratoses on the face and scalp. Imiquimod prompts your immune system to release cytokines, which can cause inflammation that helps destroy the actinic keratosis lesions. When using this medication, you’ll experience a skin reaction, which might include itching, burning, and swelling. These signs mean the treatment is working. If your doctor prescribes imiquimod, your doctor will likely direct you to apply it once daily, leave the medication on your skin for 8 hours and then wash it off. Keep applying this medication on skin for 16 weeks, even if the keratoses go away before then.
Ingenol mebutate: This medication gel is applied once a day for 2 or 3 days in a row and left on for about 6 hours before washing it off. Your dermatologist will give you more specific, personalized directions on using this treatment.
Tirbanibulin ointment: This ointment is typically used on the face and scalp and may cause fewer side effects than other medications. You’ll apply it directly to the affected skin once a day for 5 days in a row.
Ways to prevent actinic keratosis
These ways cannot replace professional treatment from a dermatologist, but they can help keep actinic keratosis lesions from getting worse or coming back. These ways include:
- limit your time in the sun
- apply sunscreen with a high SPF regularly
- wear sun-protective clothing
Some studies suggest an antioxidant-rich diet may help prevent actinic keratosis.
Foods high in antioxidants include:
- berries
- spinach and kale
- beans
- dark chocolate
- pecans
Other treatment options
When deciding on a treatment plan, you should note that each person’s case is unique. Your dermatologist will evaluate the severity of your actinic keratosis and recommend the best treatment method for you.
For some people, a single round of treatment is sufficient. Other people may need several rounds of treatment to treat widespread actinic keratoses.
In addition to at-home treatments, your dermatologist may also recommend in-office treatments. These methods may include cryotherapy, chemical peels, or photodynamic therapy.
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze off the affected skin cells. Chemical peels use acids to peel away layers of skin. Photodynamic therapy uses a special solution on your skin that’s activated by light to kill abnormal cells.
