Liquid Nitrogen for Actinic Keratosis (AKs)

An actinic keratosis is a scaly spot found on sun-damaged skin. It is also known as solar keratosis. It is considered precancerous, so sun protective measures should be taken, such as using hats, sunscreen, seeking shade, avoiding the sun at peak hours and using sun-protective clothing.

Actinic keratoses are usually removed because they are unsightly or uncomfortable, or because of the risk that skin cancer may develop in them. Liquid nitrogen spray is required to ensure adequate depth and duration of freeze. This varies according to lesion location, width and thickness.

Healing varies from 5–10 days on face, 3–4 weeks on the hands, and 6 weeks or longer on the legs.

A light freeze for a superficial actinic keratosis usually leaves no mark, but longer freeze times may result in hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or scarring. Treatment sites may blister and will scab over a period of several weeks. If the lesion(s) persist after one month, return to our office for re-evaluation.

For more information, visit: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/actinic-keratosis/