Actinic Keratosis Treatment in Crown Point, IN

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we care for active individuals and families who spend a lot of time outdoors—whether that’s on the field, at the park, or enjoying the Michigan sunshine. One common skin condition we see in our practice is actinic keratosis, which is primarily caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Actinic keratosis (AK) is caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the skin cells.

Here are the key factors that contribute to the development of AK:

• Excessive Sun Exposure: Repeated or prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun is the leading cause of actinic keratosis. It can occur even if you don’t get sunburned, as UV radiation causes cumulative skin damage over time.

• Tanning Beds: Using tanning beds or sunlamps can also increase the risk of developing AK, as these devices emit UV radiation that harms the skin.

• Fair Skin: Individuals with fair skin, light eyes, and red or blonde hair are more susceptible to UV damage and are at higher risk for developing actinic keratosis.

• Age: AK is more common in older adults, especially those over 40, as the skin’s ability to repair damage diminishes with age.

• Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or individuals with HIV, are at greater risk for developing AK.

• Geographic Location: Living in sunny or high-altitude areas increases exposure to UV radiation, contributing to the development of AK.

• Previous History of Sunburns: Having had severe sunburns in the past increases the likelihood of developing actinic keratosis later in life.

• History of Skin Cancer: Individuals who have had skin cancer in the past may be more likely to develop actinic keratosis.

By understanding these risk factors, you can take steps to protect your skin from further damage and reduce the likelihood of developing actinic keratosis. At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we encourage all our patients—especially athletes and active families—to practice sun safety. Early intervention can prevent further complications and keep your skin healthy.

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we care deeply about the lifelong health of your skin. Preventing actinic keratosis—a common precancerous skin condition—begins with protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are the main cause of this condition. Preventing actinic keratosis (AK) involves taking steps to protect your skin from UV damage and minimizing your risk factors.

Here are key strategies to help prevent AK:

• Wear Sunscreen Daily: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin every day, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

• Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure: Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), when UV rays are • strongest. Seek shade whenever possible.

• Wear Protective Clothing: Cover your skin with long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing. Sunglasses that block UV rays can protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

• Use a Hat and Umbrella: A wide-brimmed hat and an umbrella can provide extra protection for your face, neck, and other sun-exposed areas.

• Stay Away from Tanning Beds: Avoid using tanning beds, as they emit harmful UV radiation that can cause skin damage and increase your risk of developing AK and skin cancer.

• Check Your Skin Regularly: Perform monthly self-exams to check for any changes in your skin, such as new growths or changes in existing moles or spots. Early detection of AK can help prevent progression to skin cancer.

• Seek Regular Skin Check-ups: Schedule annual visits to a dermatologist to have your skin examined, especially if you have a history of sunburns, fair skin, or other risk factors.

By following these protective measures, you can reduce your risk of developing actinic keratosis and other skin-related issues. At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we offer skin assessments and guidance on early detection and treatment. By following these preventative steps and partnering with our dedicated team, you can protect your skin and lower your risk for actinic keratosis and other sun-related skin conditions.

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we care about your health from head to toe—including your skin. Actinic keratosis, sometimes called solar keratosis, is a rough, scaly patch that develops on the skin after years of sun exposure. This condition is especially common in active individuals and families who spend time outdoors enjoying sports and recreation. In most cases, actinic keratosis (AK) does not go away on its own and typically requires treatment. AK lesions are precancerous and can progress to skin cancer if left untreated. While some may remain stable for years, others may grow or change in appearance, which increases the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

However, in rare cases, very small or superficial AK lesions may resolve on their own if the skin is given adequate time to heal, especially if they are not exposed to further sun damage. Despite this, it’s important to seek professional treatment to ensure the lesion does not progress and to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

If you notice any suspicious spots or growths on your skin, it’s crucial to consult a dermatologist for evaluation and treatment options. At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we take your skin health seriously. Our team offers regular skin checks, education on sun safety, and guidance for prevention. If you develop actinic keratosis, we recommend evaluation and, if necessary, treatment.

At Mullally Sports and Family Medicine, we care about the long-term health of your skin—especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors for work, recreation, or sports. If actinic keratosis (AK) is left untreated, it can potentially lead to several serious health issues:

• Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: AK is considered a precancerous condition. Over time, untreated AK lesions can develop into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer. SCC can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.

• Lesion Growth and Spread: While some AK lesions remain small and stable, others can grow larger, become more noticeable, and spread to surrounding skin areas. This can make treatment more difficult and increase the risk of skin damage or further complications.

• Discomfort and Cosmetic Concerns: As AK lesions grow or multiply, they can become more noticeable, rough, and scaly. This may cause discomfort, such as itching or tenderness, and could affect your appearance, especially on visible areas like the face, ears, and hands.

• Increased Sun Sensitivity: People with untreated AK lesions may experience increased sensitivity to the sun, making them more prone to sunburn and further damage, which can worsen the condition.

Beyond the risk of progressing to cancer, untreated actinic keratoses can become thicker, more uncomfortable, or even start to bleed. They may also become infected if irritated during physical activity or sports. That’s why our team at Mullally Sports and Family Medicine emphasizes regular skin checks and early treatment for actinic keratosis. By monitoring and addressing these lesions promptly, we help reduce your risk of skin cancer and support your overall well-being—so you can stay healthy and active.

Dr. Timothy Mullally, DO, at Mullally Sports & Family Medicine in Crown Point, IN, offers expert care for the early detection and treatment of actinic keratosis (AK). Dr. Mullally ensures that each patient receives a thorough skin evaluation to identify any potential AK lesions at the earliest stages. Early detection is crucial as AK is a precancerous condition, and identifying it early can prevent it from progressing into skin cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma. Dr. Mullally uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess and monitor any suspicious skin changes, providing patients with peace of mind and effective treatment options.

Dr. Mullally customizes each treatment plan to fit the individual needs of the patient, ensuring optimal outcomes. His goal is to prevent the progression of AK while minimizing discomfort and promoting healthy skin. By offering personalized care, Dr. Mullally helps patients manage their skin health effectively, providing a comprehensive approach to preventing further complications from actinic keratosis.

For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11275 Delaware Pkwy Suite A, Crown Point, IN 46307. We serve patients from Crown Point IN, Winfield IN, Schererville IN, St. John IN, Cedar Lake IN, Munster IN, Lowell IN, DeMotte IN, as well as other Northwest Indiana locations.