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Catch actinic keratosis early with a visit to an Algonquin dermatology specialist

Actinic Keratosis treatment, Illinois An estimated 58 million Americans have the common type of skin blemish known as actinic keratosis. This condition is sometimes called solar keratosis because it manifests as elevated dry, scaling patches on areas of chronically sun-damaged skin. Because it is triggered by ultraviolet rays, AK usually shows up on sun-exposed body parts – bald scalp, face, lips, and backs of hands. It is easy to ignore, but actinic keratosis is a precancerous condition. Algonquin dermatologist, Dr. Vikram Khanna, urges prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Who is at risk?

People who with fair complexions have markedly increased risk of developing AK. Dr. Khanna explains the cause of actinic keratosis as, “Many Caucasian patients are born with little built-in sunscreen. Residents of our practice area are very outdoors-oriented. They are gardeners, boaters, golfers, fishermen, or simply work outdoors. This contributes greatly to the high numbers of patients in the area with actinic keratosis. Ultraviolet damage from tanning beds can also be a large contributing factor.”

The incidence of AK is somewhat higher in men, as they tend to be less consistent about wearing sunscreen and usually spend more time outside. It is important to note that while other ethnicities are not as susceptible, anyone can develop AK or skin cancer.

Early detection and treatment is vital

Actinic keratoses may be mistaken for warts, but they have the potential to develop into a serious type of cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. It is vitally important to seek accurate diagnosis from a dermatology specialist. If caught early, the chances of preventing skin cancer from developing are very good.

Dermatology Specialists of Illinois in Algonquin offers many tailored treatment options for actinic keratosis, including:
  • Excision
  • Curettage
  • Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy with blue light
  • Various prescription creams.
If you have a suspicious rough patch of skin, please don’t delay – call (844) 307-7546 right away.
Dermatologist Specialists of Illinois Dr. Vikram
Dr. Lauren Boshnick Dr. Lauren

Dermatologist Specialists of Illinois
Connect with Dr. Vikram Khanna on Linkedin.

With over 20 years of experience in dermatology, Dr. Vikram "Vic" Khanna began his education and training at Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University. He was the chief resident at the dermatology department at Case Western Reserve University and continues to update and refine his extensive skills with daily advances in the industry.

As a board-certified dermatologist, he continues to dedicate his time to serving his patients of all ages and provides general, cosmetic, and medical solutions for the skin, hair, nails, and body. He was also recently certified for Mohs Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery by the American Board of Dermatology.

Dr. Lauren Boshnick is committed to providing her patients the highest-quality medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologic care. She is passionate about cosmetic dermatology and is also interested in diagnosing and treating skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.

She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario, Canada and her medical degree from the American University of the Caribbean. She pursued specialized training in dermatology at top medical centers worldwide, including Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Mt. Sinai, and Oxford before completing her residency at Florida State University, where she served as chief resident.

After training, Dr. Boshnick worked in a private practice in Florida, performing complex skin cancer surgeries and providing cosmetic dermatology services. She is a member of the AAD.