What should you know about laser for actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a sun-related area of abnormal surface skin, often felt as rough or gritty before it is easy to see. It may be pink, red, brown, or skin-coloured and commonly occurs on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, forearms, and hands. It can occur alongside broader sun-damaged skin.

Laser or light-based treatment may be considered for selected lesions or a wider sun-damaged area, depending on the diagnosis and treatment goal. Other options include cryotherapy, topical 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod treatment, or photodynamic therapy. Treatment choice depends on lesion features, number, location, skin type, and previous response.

A dermatologist may examine the lesion closely and decide whether a biopsy is needed before treatment. Tell them about bleeding, tenderness, rapid thickening, previous skin cancers, medicines, and reactions to light or topical treatments. Follow preparation instructions exactly and protect the area from sun. During healing, use gentle cleansing, prescribed dressings or ointments, and avoid picking crusts.

Sun protection helps reduce additional damage: use protective clothing, seek shade, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed. Keep follow-up appointments because treating one lesion does not prevent new lesions elsewhere.

Contact a dermatologist promptly if a rough spot becomes thicker, tender, persistently crusted, or starts bleeding. These changes can require assessment for squamous cell carcinoma rather than routine cosmetic treatment. After a procedure, seek advice for increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, fever, severe swelling, or delayed healing. Get urgent help for facial swelling with breathing difficulty.

Are you certain this is actinic keratosis? Does it need a biopsy? Is laser appropriate for this site and my skin? What alternatives fit my lesions? How often should my skin be checked after treatment?