Actinic keratosis
Actinic keratosis (AK), rough scaly patches that arise on chronically ultraviolet-exposed skin, is one of the most common conditions diagnosed and treated by dermatologists in the United States. This guideline addresses the management of actinic keratosis, providing evidence-based recommendations for treatment.
Actinic keratosis guideline
Access the full actinic keratosis guideline from JAAD (free access).
Go to the guidelineGuideline highlights
Although they often persist as chronic skin lesions, AKs can spontaneously involute, or most importantly, evolve into keratinocyte carcinoma if left untreated.
Treatment options for AK include field-directed therapies, such as topical medications and photodynamic therapy, and lesion-directed therapies, like cryosurgery and laser ablation.
Analysis of the evidence from a systematic review based on five research questions resulted in eighteen evidence-based recommendations and suggests there are several effective treatments available for AK.
Strong recommendations were made for the use of UV protection, cryosurgery, topical imiquimod, and 5-FU. Conditional recommendations were made for the use of PDT and diclofenac for the treatment of AK, both individually and as part of combination therapy regimens.
AK Resource Center for patients
Are you looking for resources on AK to share with patients? The Academy offers a wealth of treatment help for the public in the AK Resource Center.
View the Academy guidelines disclaimer.
Additional Academy resources
The Academy offers patient pamphlets on AK and other common conditions.
Access the learning module on AK and SCC to earn credits.
Read a DermWorld article describing efforts to gather better data on AK.
Read a DW Insights & Inquiries article on best approaches to widespread AK.
