Understanding Actinic Keratoses and How CryoPen Helps
What are Actinic Keratoses ?
Actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses) are rough, scaly patches of skin caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, most commonly from the sun.
They typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, neck, backs of the hands and forearms.
While they are not cancer when they first appear, they are considered precancerous.
Why Actinic Keratoses Matter
Because actinic keratoses reflect sun damage and can progress to skin cancer, they should not be ignored.
How to Recognise Actinic Keratoses
Here are standard features:
- A rough, dry or scaly patch, often feeling like sandpaper when touched.
- Colour may vary: skin-coloured, pink, red or brown.
- Typically occur on sun-exposed skin: ears, bald scalp, hands, forearms, etc.
- They may itch, sting, hurt slightly or bleed.
What Causes Actinic Keratoses
The primary cause is cumulative UV exposure from sunlight (or tanning beds), which damages skin cells (keratinocytes) over time.
Risk factors include fair skin, light eyes/hair, older age, a history of sunburn or outdoor work, and those with weakened immune systems.
How They’re Treated – The Role of CryoPen
One effective treatment option is cryotherapy, which freezes the lesion to destroy the abnormal cells.
The device known as the CryoPen (also spelt Cryopen) is a modern form of cryotherapy that delivers a precise jet of gas (nitrous oxide or other coolant) at very low temperature to target skin lesions. Cryopen is safe and FDA-approved.
Here’s how it helps:
- It enables accurate, localised treatment of the affected tissue with minimal damage to surrounding healthy skin.
- The procedure is relatively quick and typically has little downtime. For example, patients may return to normal activities immediately, with healing over 1-4 weeks.
- The treatment effectively removes the visible lesion and reduces the risk of progression when used appropriately.
Why Choose a Specialist Provider
Selecting an experienced provider ensures that the skin condition is assessed correctly (including distinguishing it from skin cancer), the proper treatment is chosen, and safe aftercare is provided.
A provider that offers personalised service and has a strong track record in CryoPen treatments will help you feel confident in your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Actinic Keratoses
Q1: What is the difference between an actinic keratosis and ordinary sun spots?
A: Ordinary sun spots (also called solar lentigines) are flat brown patches from sun exposure, but are harmless. An actinic keratosis is rough/scaly and can be precancerous. If in doubt, have a skin professional evaluate it.
Q2: Can an actinic keratosis go away on its own?
A: Occasionally, small lesions may regress, but because it’s impossible to predict which will progress to cancer, dermatologists generally recommend treating them rather than leaving them.
Q3: How many treatments with CryoPen will I need?
A: That depends on the number, size and thickness of the lesions, and how your skin responds. Some may require a single session; others may need follow-up. Your provider will advise based on your case.
Q4: Does CryoPen treatment hurt?
A: Most patients feel a brief stinging or cold sensation during treatment, possibly some mild discomfort afterwards. Healing may involve some redness, blistering or crusting for a few days.
Q5: Will there be downtime or scarring?
Downtime is minimal, enabling a swift return to your daily routine. While scarring is rare when the procedure is performed correctly, temporary, subtle pigment changes may occasionally occur.
Q6: When should I seek immediate medical advice?
A: If you notice a skin patch that is rapidly growing, changing colour, bleeding, or not healing—especially within a previously sun-exposed area—seek evaluation promptly. These may be signs of skin cancer rather than just an actinic keratosis.
