Dr. Zizmor and Other Top Dermatologists Raise Awareness About Actinic Keratosis
Way back in 2004 then President George W. Bush was given a well-publicized physical exam and the New York Times reported that doctors.
- (1888PressRelease) July 14, 2012 - Way back in 2004 then President George W. Bush was given a well-publicized physical exam and the New York Times reported that doctors "… found some actinic keratosis, which are skin lesions that result from chronic sun exposure… Mr. Bush has had at least six actinic keratosis removed from his face and arm since becoming president," the reporter from the New York Times wrote at the time.
Despite the fact that the most powerful man on the planet at the time had actinic keratosis (AK for short), Actinic Keratosis is not very well known in the mainstream public. Many adults especially those with lighter skin tones from ages 30 and up who spend time in the sun are at risk of developing the skin condition that can present like brownish spots on your skin.
So what exactly is Actinic Keratosis? "Actinic keratosis (ak-ti-nik ker-ah-TOE-sis)… is a rough, dry, scaly patch or growth that forms on the skin. Actinic Keratosis forms when the skin is badly damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or indoor tanning," according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer, affecting more than 58 million Americans. Approximately 65 percent of all squamous cell carcinomas arise in lesions that previously were diagnosed as actinic keratosis. In patients with a history of two or more skin cancers, 36 percent of basal cell carcinomas arise in lesions previously diagnosed as actinic keratosis.
"Treatment for minor Actinic Keratosis is simple and quick," says Dr. Zizmor, a top-rated New York dermatologist. "It's important for adults at any age to examine their skin and seek the care of a dermatologist if they notice new spots or lesions forming on their skin." Dr. Zizmor says the treatment includes freezing or laser surgery.
Actinic Keratosis can be dangerous and precancerous if left untreated. Dr. Zizmor says that people with lighter skin, hair and eyes, should see a dermatologist every six months to ensure they are free of pre-cancerous growths.
Professor Robert A. Moore from the Pain Research and Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics, University of Oxford, along with other colleagues, conducted several research studies of Actinic Keratosis and noted that it is hard to predict if Actinic Keratosis lesions will become cancerous. He writes in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, "It is impossible to predict the point at which point an individual AK lesion will evolve into invasive squamous cell carcinoma, so most clinicians advocate the treatment of all AK lesions."
"I usually do not see people with Actinic Keratosis until the lesions start to spread or get very irritated -- some actually start bleeding," says Dr. Zizmor. "The key to successful treatment is to seek a doctor's advice immediately when you think you might have Actinic Keratosis."
###
space
space
Satisfied Users & 
Approved Press Releases
Print
Email
Report Spam