An Update on Newer Topical Therapies for Actinic Keratoses; Advances and Applications

February 2003 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Original Article | 35 | Copyright © February 2003


James Q. del Rosso, Do, FAOCD

Abstract
The use of topical agents for treatment of most dermatologic disorders is integral to the practice of dermatology. The innate properties and therapeutic mechanisms of the active component(s) of a topical preparation and the ability of the vehicle formulation to deliver adequate concentrations of drug to the site of disease directly affect clinical efficacy. Other factors influencing efficacy in clinical practice correlate closely with the extent of patient compliance, including the degree of local tolerability and patient acceptability of the product, frequency of application and duration of therapy. The following provides a discussion of newer medical therapies for the treatment of actinic keratosis based on current literature and clinical experience.