Topical Therapy for Actinic Keratoses: Current and Evolving Therapies

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are evolving malignant cutaneous neoplasms. They are also known as solar keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma in situ-solar keratotic type, or keratinocytic intraepidermal neoplasia. Actinic keratoses can be treated by two general methods: by physical/destructive methods and with topical therapies. This article will review current and evolving topical therapeutic options for AKs. Several topical treatment options have been shown to offer some significant benefit in the alleviation of these lesions. The therapies include 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, colchicine and retinoids.