Actinic keratosis ( AKs)  are pre-cancerous skin lesions due to ultraviolet light damage from the sun.  Pre-cancerous means that they may develop into a skin cancer.

There are 2 classifications of AKs:

1. Hyperkeratotic AKs
2. Normal AKs

The regular AKs appear as red and slightly scaly lesions typically on the forehead but may occur on any sun exposed skin.  The hyperkeratotic AKs are thick patch which are sometimes horny.

AKs should be treated because of the risk to transform to a skin cancer.  There are several treatments for AKs, all of which are available through our clinic.

The treatment options are:

1. Photodynamic therapy ( PDT) with levulan and Blu-U +/- IPL
2. Liquid nitrogen
3. Aldara cream
4. Efudex cream

There are pros and cons to each treatment option and sometimes several different types of treatment need to be combined.  We believe the best option is PDT because the treatment is simple, effective and does not scar.

For a Consultation Call:
604-874-4061