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There are topical meds that can be used. Most dermatologists ignore keratosis because they are benign. Insurance does not cover removal of most. My daughter had some on her bra line that were irritating and painful and I believe they were covered. She has hundreds on her neck, had liquid nitrogen on those (ouch!) which she paid for out of her pocket. I've been going to dermatologist that specializes in cosmetic skin issues and she has taken off many SK, AKs (that I pay out of pocket for, but they are gone.)
Here's a list of the topical meds
For treating numerous seborrheic keratoses (SKs) and actinic keratoses (AKs) on a large area of skin, topical treatments like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), imiquimod, diclofenac, and tirbanibulin are often used, and sometimes photodynamic therapy (PDT) is also considered.
Here's a more detailed explanation of these options:
1. Topical Treatments:
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU):
This is an established treatment for AKs, working by inhibiting the growth of abnormal cells. It's available in various topical formulations and is known for its ability to treat both visible and subclinical lesions.
Brand Names: Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex
Imiquimod:
This topical immunotherapy helps the immune system fight off the pre-cancerous lesions.
Brand Names: Aldara, Zyclara
Diclofenac:
This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gel can be used to treat AKs.
Brand Names: Solaraze
Replies to "There are topical meds that can be used. Most dermatologists ignore keratosis because they are benign...."
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Most of the treatments listed are for AKs, which all the derms I've encountered call "precancerous growths". They love to freeze them off and charge Medicare a ton of money. Most of mine over the years have looked like dry patches of skin. While researching the treatments listed, I came across this excerpt from PubMed that I have never heard of previously. Seems interesting and I will do more research on it
"Seborrheic keratosis (SK) is a benign, common disease affecting mostly the middle aged and elderly population. SK lesions are characterized by pigmented skin growth, a warty surface, and sharp margins. Current therapies (curettage or cryotherapy) are invasive and painful. A non-invasive treatment is evaluated in this clinical study. Objectives: To assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Nitrizinc Complex® topical solution (NZCS) for treatment of SK, after one to two topical applications. Thirty-two SK patients with a total of 59 lesions were treated with NZCS. Outcomes were determined by the dermatologist at clinical visits at one, three, six, and 12 months post-procedure and by subjective evaluation of patients through questionnaires. Six months after treatment, complete elimination was observed in 80% of the lesions (72% of the patients), while 93.3% of the lesions showed at least 50% reduction. Treatment ended with 100% cosmetic benefit as no scars or dyschromia were observed in the treated areas. Subjective treatment and cosmetic satisfaction were evaluated and corresponded to 8.66/10 and 8.07/10, respectively. The product was preferred over all other options previously used by all patients. Treatment was highly tolerable as discomfort, such as pain and itching/burning sensations, was minimal. No relapse cases have been observed at 12 months after treatment. This study demonstrates that NZCS is an efficient, easy-to-apply, safe and well tolerated treatment for SK lesions, and may therefore be considered as a potential topical non-invasive alternative for SK treatment."