What is Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratosis (AK), also known as solar keratosis, is a precancerous skin condition that develops on areas of the skin that have been exposed to excessive sunlight over many years.
These lesions appear as rough, scaly patches on the skin and can potentially develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, if left untreated.
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Signs and Symptoms
- Rough, scaly patches on the skin
- Dry, crusty appearance
- Varied colors: tan, pink, or red
- Itching or burning sensation
Actinic Keratosis typically appears on sun-exposed areas such as:
- Face and forehead
- Ears and lips
- Scalp (especially in bald individuals)
- Neck and chest
- Backs of hands and forearms
If you notice any of these signs, especially on sun-exposed areas of your skin, it's important to have them evaluated by a dermatologist.
Treatment Options
At Fairview Dermatology, we offer several treatment options for Actinic Keratosis:
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen
- Topical Medications: Prescription creams to remove AK lesions
- Photodynamic Therapy: Using light-sensitive medication and special light to destroy AK cells
- Supplements: Specific vitamins/medications have been scientifically proven to reduce the occurrence of cancerous and pre-cancerous skin lesions.
Dr. Hudson will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the number and location of your AK lesions, as well as your overall health.
What our patients have to say
It is hard to accurately characterize how phenomenal Dr. Hudson is. He makes each patient feel seen, heard, and valuable. His bedside manner is matched with his medical knowledge and care. We cannot recommend Dr. Hudson more.
- Amy C.
Wow the best experience I have ever had with a medical professional. I was treated with the upmost respect and kindness from the moment I walked it the door. Dr Hudson was absolutely PHENOMENAL. I will be returning every time I have a skin issue. May God continue to bless this business, staff and everybody who gets the opportunity to be treated here. EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE!!!
- Amber H.
Wow! Dr. Hudson is such a blessing! I just read some of the prior reviews, and I am at a loss for words how I can add anything more. The care I received was unparalleled in my decades of interacting with medical doctors.
- J D
Fairview Dermatology has the best dermatologist and staff that my husband and I have ever worked with. From day one Dr. Hudson has always made sure to spend quality time with us, never rushing, answering any and all of our questions, making us feel very comfortable and well informed at each visit. His staff is also very supportive, knowledgeable, and understanding whenever we have needed assistance.Dr. Hudson loves what he does, and it shows the minute he walks in the room. I very highly recommend Fairview Dermatology.
- Jen
Great experience. The office is very relaxing and the staff is amazing, very thoughtful and considerate of your needs. Doctor Hudson has the best bed side manner I have ever experienced ! Very thorough, encourages your questions and explains things in a thoughtful manner. He wants to know about you as a patient and as a person. I definitely recommend this group of rare hospitality.
- JK
I've been coming to Fairview Dermatology for several years now. Am so impressed with the kind, helpful and efficient staff! Then there is Dr. Hudson, what an amazing, compassionate and empathetic doctor! You couldn't be in better hands, highly recommend!
- Lore B.
We have nothing but wonderful things to say about Dr. Hudson and his team. They are knowledgeable, kind and they take the time to listen. We never felt rushed. Dr. Hudson makes you feel like family. We highly recommend Dr. Hudson to anyone in the area. Our whole family of redheads think he's tops.
- Tammy B.
Dr. Hudson is one of the best, most kind doctors I have ever met! He explains things incredibly well, extremely knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. My wife and I traveled 3 hours to see him and he really took care of us and made us feel like we were the only patients he had to see that day with the amount of time he spent with us! There isn't a better doctor in DFW than Dr. Hudson.
- Austin L.
Kind and capable doctor, pleasant staff...this doctor's office actually cares for the whole patient and it shows! They are conveniently located next to the iPic and I always leave there feeling good!
- Christina F.
Happy staff, clean facility, Dr. Hudson is genuine and caring with fantastic attitude. Staff and tech so nice and engaging. They actually exude wanting to be there! A lost commodity these days. You are missing out if you do not give this practice a try.
- Tina D.
Frequently Asked Questions About Actinic Keratosis
Can Actinic Keratosis turn into skin cancer?
Yes, Actinic Keratosis is considered a precancerous lesion. If left untreated, it can potentially develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. This is why early detection and treatment are crucial.
How can I prevent Actinic Keratosis?
The best prevention is to protect your skin from sun damage. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily, wear protective clothing, seek shade during peak sun hours, and avoid tanning beds.
Are Actinic Keratosis treatments painful?
Most treatments cause minimal discomfort. For procedures like cryotherapy, you may feel a brief stinging sensation. Topical treatments might cause some skin irritation. We always prioritize your comfort and can discuss pain management options if needed.
How long does it take to recover from Actinic Keratosis treatment?
Recovery time varies depending on the treatment method and the extent of the condition. Some treatments, like cryotherapy, may cause temporary redness or blistering that heals within a few days to weeks. Your dermatologist will provide specific aftercare instructions for your treatment.
Let's Talk
Dr. Hudson and the team at Fairview Dermatology are experienced in diagnosing and treating Actinic Keratosis. If you've noticed any suspicious skin changes or want to schedule a skin check, we're here to help. Call us at 972-747-0000 or use the form below to request an appointment. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment details.