Actinic keratoses are common pre-cancerous skin growths that often occur on the face and other sun-exposed areas of the skin. These skin lesions usually appear as you get older and may contain mutated cells that can transform into skin cancer. Removal of actinic keratoses may be recommended to reduce cancer risk, and many patients want these rough, dark bumps removed for cosmetic reasons. Our team at MJR Dermatology offers chemical peels for actinic keratoses treatment at our medical center in Lawrenceville, GA.
Actinic keratoses are rough-textured bumps that appear on the skin. They may appear as brown or gray growths that can be very small or up to an inch in diameter. These bumps are not painful, but they can eventually evolve into skin cancer. Removing these growths can improve the appearance of the skin while also reducing the chance of cancer in the future.
There are various treatment options for removing actinic keratoses, including cryotherapy and chemical peels. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the growth, destroying the skin cells. Another option is a chemical peel, which can be performed as an outpatient procedure at our clinic in the North Atlanta, GA, area.
Actinic Keratoses Treatment
If a chemical peel is recommended for the removal of your actinic keratoses, it can be completed in less than a half hour in most cases. An exfoliating acid is applied to the skin growths to “peel” away the top layer of cells. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is commonly used for these types of chemical peels, but there are other options available. The strength and length of time it is applied depends on the size of the growth and other factors.
After the chemical peel for actinic keratoses, the treatment areas may burn or sting. Dr. Reschly and our team will provide you with care instructions to relieve any discomfort and protect your skin. In the week after your treatment, the skin will flake away, removing the skin growth. You will need to avoid sun exposure to protect the new skin that emerges after the peeling process.
To learn more about actinic keratoses treatment with a chemical peel procedure, come see us at MJR Dermatology. Contact our Lawrenceville, GA, clinic to schedule a chemical peel consultation.