Mr. Tutrone, Ms. Saini, Ms. Caglar, and Dr. Crespo report no conflict of interest. Dr. Weinberg has been a clinical investigator for 3M Pharmaceuticals. The authors report discussion of off-label use of imiquimod, colchicine, and tretinoin. Mr. Tutrone and Ms. Caglar are medical students at the University of Vermont, Burlington. Ms. Saini is a medical student at New York University, New York. Dr. Weinberg is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York. Dr. Crespo is in private practice in Brattleboro, Vermont.
William D. Tutrone, BS; Ritu Saini, BA; Selin Caglar, BA; Jeffrey M. Weinberg, MD; Jorge Crespo, MD
Accepted for publication March 6, 2003. Mr. Tutrone and Ms. Caglar are medical students at the University of Vermont, Burlington. Ms. Saini is a medical student at New York University, New York. Dr. Weinberg is Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York. Dr. Crespo is in private practice in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are evolving, malignant cutaneous neoplasms. AKs can be treated with physical or destructive methods and by topical therapies. This article is the second in a 2-part series of current topical therapeutic options for AKs and discusses topical diclofenac, colchicine, and retinoids. The first part focused on topical 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod.
Conclusion
While countless individuals are diagnosed with AKs, research efforts have revealed an encouraging array of topical and semi-invasive treatment options that allow the dermatologist and patient to select a therapy that specifically suits the patient’s needs by balancing both therapeutic and aesthetic outcomes in accordance with the patient’s lifestyle. Topical treatments currently available to treat AKs offer the benefits of relative ease of administration and minimal incidence of severe adverse effects. More important, these novel and standard treatments allow dermatologists to alleviate the apprehension and inconvenience experienced by patients affected by these lesions.
