Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are rough spots that are common on sun-exposed skin of light-skinned individuals. Most AKs are not worrisome and treatment is often optional. They are frequently treated by a number of modalities by many dermatologists. This decision aid may help you in deciding if and how you want your AKs treated. You can also view (and print)) this decision aid as a PDF. Download Actinic Keratoses Decision Aid DF
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The Cochrane Report on Interventions for Actinic Keratoses is worth reading. Despite the marketing hype, there is little difference between the modalities. An informed patient can make the choice of which modality suits her or his needs and expectations best.
There is no evidence that treating most actinic keratosis will prevent the development of dangerous squamous cell carcinomas. The decision to treat rests on how much the keratoses bother the patient or worries a concerned dermatologist. Treatment can allay some patients’ anxiety. Treatment should not be done to make one’s physician feel better or get richer. It is clear that in many cases, actinic keratosis are grossly over-treated.