Actinic keratosis
ICD-10 L57.0 · ICD-11 EK90.0

What Is the First-Line Treatment for Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratosis management follows a structured first-line approach with defined clinical goals. The protocol targets both existing lesions and the prevention of new lesion formation.

Clinical Goals

Treatment success is measured as a reduction in existing actinic keratosis lesion counts and a decrease in the formation of new actinic keratosis lesions, evaluated over a 6-month period.

First-Line Approach

Recommended first-line management for all patients with actinic keratosis includes protective strategies directed at limiting ultraviolet radiation exposure.

The complete multi-component regimen, clinical algorithm, and additional interventions are available in the full protocol.
Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

  1. The Work Group strongly recommends as a measure of good practice that patients with AKs minimize their exposure to UV (Table III).
  2. It is recommended that this avoidance be multifaceted, including avoiding exposure to both natural and artificial sources of UV and the use of sun-protective clothing and sunscreen that can block both UVA and UVB.
  3. A study comparing the application of a vehicle cream or sunscreen (sun protection factor of 17) for 6 months found sunscreen users had fewer new AKs (rate ratio 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.71) and greater odds of remission of baseline AKs (odds ratio [OR] 1.53; 95% CI, 1.29-1.80).
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.02.082
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