Actinic Keratosis / Sun Damage

The result equates to a powerful yet safe modality to treat sun damage (manifested by skin blotchiness, actinic keratoses and ruddiness). It is also effective for the treatment of rosacea, acne, shrinking large pores and sebaceous hyperplasia. This treatment has revolutionized our approach to the treatment of diffuse sundamage. This not only treats existing discrete Actinic keratoses but allows us to treat entire anatomic areas such as face,neck,chest arms hands and even legs that have significant photodamage. Skin becomes smoother, softer, even toned, with a healthier vibrant glow as the old skin gradually peels away over the ensuing few days. The transformation in patients skin is simply remarkable in a very short period of time. Our patients are thrilled with the results and wonder why more dermatologists are not offering this breakthrough modality.

We have been doing this treatment since it was first FDA approved 2 years ago on hundreds of satisfied patients. This skin rejuvenation procedure far exceeds the results of simple photofacial treatments with IPL's(Intense pulsed light). The results are faster and more medically beneficial to photodamaged skin. Patients feel good that this not only addresses their cosmetic concerns but reduces their risk of developing skin cancer down the road. Our treatment protocol involves first a thorough cleansing of the skin followed by a light microdermabrasion to remove surface dead skin. This is then followed by an acetone scrub. This allows for even penetration of Levulan into the skin. Levulan is then left on for 45-90 min's depending on the area being treated. This is followed by activation with a light source such as Vbeam (Pulsed dye Laser) and /or Blu-U Light.

Following the treatment the skin appears pink and "sunburned" for a period of 2-4 days. This may be followed by some light peeling of the skin gradually revealing a more youthful, vibrant and healthier skin. Feedback from our patients has been excellent due to the relative noninvasive nature of the treatment and limited post recovery period. They are very pleased with the overall improvement in skin tone, texture, reduction in pore size. Not only is their skin transformed but along with it their self esteem and confidence level.

FAQ's:

• What is skin cancer?
• Are there different types of skin cancer?
• What causes skin cancer?
• How can I treat skin cancer?
• What is skin cancer?

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is a growing concern and widespread condition in the United States and elsewhere. In the US there are over 1 million people diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and 50,000 people diagnosed with melanoma every year. With early detection and treatment the vast majority of skin cancers are curable with surgery alone. It is believed that practicing judicial sun avoidance and sun protection over one's lifetime can prevent many skin cancers.

Are there different types of skin cancer?

Many types of skin cancer go through a precancerous stage prior to becoming full-blown cancer. Part of any early detection effort, therefore, is focused on eradicating these precursor lesions before they have a chance to undergo a malignant transformation. One common precancerous growth is called an actinic keratosis or solar keratosis (actinic, solar = referring to the sun, keratosis = scaly spot). These are usually small scaly patches which are sometimes pink or red but occasionally can be felt more easily than seen and occur commonly in sun exposed areas like the face, chest, and forearms. They can be quite numerous or occur singly. Actinic keratoses consist of superficial skin cells that are damaged and arranged in a disorderly fashion on a microscopic level. Actinic keratoses may degenerate into truly malignant cells called squamous cell carcinoma, either on their own or because of continued sun exposure. Some have argued that actinic keratoses are an early form of squamous cell carcinoma as opposed to being pre-malignant. Most dermatologists agree that the treatment of actinic keratoses is an important weapon in the prevention of squamous cell carcinoma.

What causes skin cancer?

All forms of skin cancer have been associated with exposure to ultraviolet light as their principle causative factor. However, the details of each type of cancer's association to the sun and their other possible causes differ amongst the different types. The prevention of skin cancer is based on sun protection, sun avoidance and regular evaluation by a physician, preferably a dermatologist.

Studies have shown that dermatologists are more accurate in their ability to recognize skin cancer than primary care physicians are. It is recommended that a person of low risk (no personal or family history of skin cancer, normal number of moles) have a total body skin examination every three years. People with a history of skin cancer either personally or in their family should be seen at least once per year as well as perform a self-body examination once per month. A self-body examination consists of getting naked in front of a full-length mirror and methodically examining all surfaces of your body to the best of your ability to detect new growths or changes in color, shape or size in existing ones.

Avoiding the sun at the peak hours of UVB intensity (10 AM - 2 PM) is a well-known and useful strategy to limit the harmful effects of the sun's rays. Sun protective clothing is gaining favor. Tightly woven but breathable fabrics have been developed by reputable clothing companies and have been approved by the FDA as medical devices for the prevention of skin cancer. Light-weight and high quality, this is an effective way to protect oneself from the sun. (For more information on these or to purchase them go to www.sunprecautions.com). These have been shown to provide very effective sun protection. Limiting the number of hours of exposure is also useful. Hats are important, especially of the wide brimmed variety (although these will not protect your face adequately by themselves due to reflected ultraviolet light, so sunscreen should be applied as well). Sunscreen is an important part of every skin cancer prevention program. However, there are many reasons why sunscreens are less than perfect as sun protection.

People don't like to apply them - this is a major problem! In addition, people use less than that applied during tests to rate the sunscreens for SPF numbers. This results in only achieving one-third to half of the SPF number present on the front label of the sunscreen in real life conditions. Also, sunscreen needs to be applied 30 minutes prior to exposure for adequate absorption and reapplied frequently if there is a prolonged ultraviolet exposure. Finally, it is crucial to choose a sunscreen that can adequately protect you. Pick the highest SPF you can (preferably a 30 or above) and one which has complete UVA protection (contains zinc oxide).

How can I treat skin cancer?

The treatment of skin cancer is principally surgical. The vast majority of skin cancers are curable by surgery alone but in the case of actinic keratosis, if caught early can be treated by Photodynamic therapy.