Treatment of Actinic Keratosis
While some cases of actinic keratosis may resolve naturally on their own, a person is highly recommended to seek medical treatments. Action is needed, as the condition is considered to be precancerous. There are several different potential treatment options, which may include a combination of the following:

medication
surgery
photodynamic therapy, using drugs and light to kill cancer cells

1. Medication
Treatment for more advanced or widespread cases of actinic keratosis includes medication in the form of various creams and gels. Some medicated creams include:

diclofenac gel
imiquimod cream
fluorouracil cream
ingenol mebutate gel

These creams and gels are applied directly to affected areas of the skin. They may produce side effects in some people who may experience rashes, redness, and swelling at the site of application.

2. Surgery
In cases where a person only has a few spots or patches, a doctor may recommend removing the affected area through minor surgery. Two of the more common surgery options are curettage and cryotherapy.

Scraping, which is referred to as curettage, involves a device called a curette, to scrape off the damaged skin cells. In some cases, electrosurgery is used immediately after scraping. Electrosurgery involves a doctor using a pen-shaped instrument, to destroy and cut away the affected tissue with an electric current.

Both procedures require a local anesthetic. Some people experience side effects, including scarring, discoloration, and infection.

Freezing, referred to as cryotherapy, removes the lesions by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. A doctor applies the liquid nitrogen to the skin when the extreme cold causes the affected area to blister and peel. As the skin heals, the lesions fall off, allowing new, undamaged skin to appear.

Cryotherapy is the most common treatment for actinic keratosis. This is partly because it can be done in the doctor's office and takes only a few minutes. Side effects may include:

changes to skin texture
blisters
infection
scarring
discoloration of the skin at the site of treatment

3. Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves the application of a chemical to the affected areas of skin. The doctor then shines an artificial light on the chemical, which, in turn, kills the damaged cells and removes the actinic keratosis.

Side effects may include redness, swelling, and burning, which may be felt during the procedure.

A person and their doctor will work together to decide the best option or options. In some cases, a person may have regular treatment for recurring patches.