Treating AK
Because AKs can appear many different ways, you should ask your doctor to check any suspicious patches of skin. You may be sent to a dermatologist, a doctor who is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.
Once an AK is identified, a variety of treatment options are available. These include physically removing the AK by freezing it with liquid nitrogen, burning it with a laser, scraping it off, or using chemicals that kill the AK cells. A number of creams that can be applied to the skin are also available for the treatment of AK. These include retinoids, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and Aldara™ Cream.
Talk to your doctor about the treatment options for AK. All procedures have advantages and disadvantages including side effects, risk of scarring, and the number of treatment sessions required. Once you have been treated for AK, you should have your skin examined yearly by a doctor or healthcare provider to see if there are any new AKs.