Guidelines for the management of actinic keratoses

Abstract

Summary These guidelines stemmed from a consensus meeting held by the British Photobiology Group (BPG) in 1999. Following this meeting one of the authors (J.M.M.) was invited to draw up guidelines for the management of actinic keratoses by the British Association of Dermatologists Therapy Guidelines and Audit Subcommittee. Relevant evidence was sought using the search terms ‘solar keratosis’ and ‘actinic keratosis’ in Medline from 1966 onwards. Additional and earlier literature was reviewed on the basis of references within post‐1966 publications. All articles of apparent relevance were reviewed independently of the nature of the publication. The quality of the evidence elicited has been indicated. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (U.S.A.) was used for further data on topical chemotherapy. Papers were reviewed and discussed by the contributors to the BPG Workshop (see ). Recommendations are evidence based where possible. Strength of recommendation is coupled with quality of evidence. Strength of recommendation includes consideration of apparent cost‐benefit and practical considerations. Quality of evidence reflects the nature of the trial structure that provides data of efficacy.

Clinical and Pathological Study of 328 Cases of Actinic Keratosis in Eastern Chinese Patients

“…Different therapies mentioned above can be combined. Benefits of combining therapy include higher efficacy and better cosmetic results [23,24]. Surgical excision is not routinely used.…”

The effects of continuous application of sunscreen on photoaged skin in Japanese elderly people—the relationship with the usage

“…Some studies and the UK Guidelines for AK report the effectiveness of moisturization for prevention of AK. [27][28][29] It is highly likely that an increase in the water content of the stratum corneum due to application of sunscreen is a contributing factor in inhibiting photoaging as well as skin cancer.…”

Correlation between Protoporphyrin IX Fluorescence Intensity, Photobleaching, Pain and Clinical Outcome of Actinic Keratosis Treated by Photodynamic Therapy

“…This lesion preparation is a standard procedure [4,32,33,34,35] to facilitate the diffusion of the precursor into the lesion, and ensure homogenous light distribution in the tissues. This procedure was not intended to be a therapeutic curettage, and generally no bleeding was observed.…”