ABSTRACT
Actinic Keratoses Actinic keratosis is a precancerous lesion of keratinocytes, also called solar keratosis which is caused by photodamage. The lesions are on the sun-exposed areas of skin. Actinic keratosis may progress to squamous cell carcinoma. One conventional treatment is continued topical application of 5-FU for several weeks. A combination of a hydroxyacid and 5-FU can shorten the treatment time and the period of discomfort from several weeks to just one week. First, the lesions or sites of actinic keratoses are identified by topical application of 5% 5-FU cream twice daily to affected areas for five to seven days before the office procedure. Once the lesions are identified, 70% glycolic acid in ethanol:propylene glycol 80:20 is applied to the lesions. After two to five minutes when the lesions begin to blanch, 5% 5-FU solution is applied.
