Can You Reverse Sun Damage?
Can You Reverse Sun Damage?
Also called solar keratoses, these scaly, crusty patches are forms of sun damage, but they can also turn into a bigger problem. Without treatment, about 10% of them turn into skin cancer.
Many of the treatments that repair other sun damage may also work for AK, such as cryotherapy, chemical peels, and laser therapy. You can also try:
The treatment you get for AK depends on your specific case. For instance, if you only have a few patches, cryotherapy may be the best option. If your case is more widespread, your doctor will probably recommend a cream.
If sun damage gives you any new or changing marks, let your dermatologist know. They could be a sign of skin cancer. And protect yourself from future UV harm with sun-safe habits. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and wear protective clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Can You Reverse Sun Damage?
In this article
- Sunburn
- Dry Skin
- Wrinkles
- Sun or Age Spots
- Melasma
- Actinic Keratosis (AK)
- Get Checked Out by a Dermatologist
Actinic Keratosis (AK)
Also called solar keratoses, these scaly, crusty patches are forms of sun damage, but they can also turn into a bigger problem. Without treatment, about 10% of them turn into skin cancer.
Many of the treatments that repair other sun damage may also work for AK, such as cryotherapy, chemical peels, and laser therapy. You can also try:
- Prescription creams. Your doctor can prescribe a few different drugs you put on your skin.
- Imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) causes your skin to create a chemical called interferon that kills precancerous cells.
- 5-fluorouracil (Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex) is another drug that destroys fast-growing AK cells.
- A newer treatment called ingenol mebutate (Picato) treats the patches within 2-3 days.
- If your skin is too sensitive for these creams, hyaluronic acid paired with the drug diclofenac (Solaraze) can treat AK.
- Photodynamic therapy. First, you take a medicine that makes your skin more sensitive to light. Then your doctor will point a strong red or blue light at your skin to switch on the drug and destroy AK.
The treatment you get for AK depends on your specific case. For instance, if you only have a few patches, cryotherapy may be the best option. If your case is more widespread, your doctor will probably recommend a cream.
Get Checked Out by a Dermatologist
If sun damage gives you any new or changing marks, let your dermatologist know. They could be a sign of skin cancer. And protect yourself from future UV harm with sun-safe habits. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and wear protective clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
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