Actinic Keratosis Treatment in The Villages, FL

What Is Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis develops when years of ultraviolet (UV) exposure cause damage to skin cells. These lesions often appear as rough, dry, or scaly patches that may be easier to feel than see.

Common signs include:

• Rough or sandpaper-like skin patches
• Red, pink, tan, or flesh-colored lesions
• Persistent dry or scaly areas
• Itching, tenderness, or irritation
• Spots that repeatedly return after healing

Actinic keratoses are most commonly found on areas of the skin that have received significant sun exposure over time. Because some lesions can eventually develop into squamous cell carcinoma, prompt evaluation is important.

---

Who Is Most At Risk?

Anyone can develop actinic keratosis, but certain factors increase the risk.

You may be more likely to develop AKs if you:

• Spend significant time outdoors
• Live in sunny climates such as Central Florida
• Have fair skin, light-colored eyes, or light hair
• Burn easily in the sun
• Are over the age of 40
• Have a history of excessive sun exposure
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have previously been treated for actinic keratosis or skin cancer

Because sun damage accumulates over time, many patients begin noticing actinic keratoses later in life.

---

Diagnosing Actinic Keratosis

Dr. Gurgen performs a thorough skin examination to evaluate suspicious lesions and determine whether treatment is necessary.

Most actinic keratoses can be identified through a clinical examination. In some situations, a skin biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or rule out skin cancer.

Early detection allows treatment before lesions become more advanced and helps protect your long-term skin health.

---

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the number, size, location, and appearance of the lesions.

Common treatment options may include:

Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy abnormal cells. This is one of the most effective and commonly used treatments for isolated actinic keratoses.

Topical Medications

Prescription creams may be used to treat larger areas of sun-damaged skin and multiple lesions simultaneously.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

This treatment combines a photosensitizing medication with a specialized light source to target damaged cells while minimizing injury to surrounding healthy tissue.

Additional Treatment Options

Depending on the condition of your skin, other therapies may be recommended to remove damaged cells and reduce future risk.

Dr. Gurgen will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals.

---

Preventing Future Sun Damage

Even after successful treatment, new actinic keratoses can develop if skin continues to receive excessive UV exposure.

To help protect your skin:

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
• Wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats
• Avoid tanning beds
• Seek shade during peak sunlight hours
• Schedule routine skin examinations

Preventive care plays an important role in reducing future sun damage and helping identify potential concerns early.

---

Schedule Your Skin Examination

If you have rough, scaly patches that are not improving or areas of sun-damaged skin that concern you, professional evaluation is important.

Dr. Johnny Gurgen provides expert diagnosis and treatment of actinic keratosis for patients in The Villages, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield, Leesburg, and surrounding Central Florida communities.

Contact our office today to schedule a skin examination and learn about your treatment options.