Dermatology Handbook

The professional's guide to product selection

Actinic keratoses treatments

Alacare

After topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) accumulates intracellularly in the treated actinic keratosis lesions. The intracellular PPIX is a photoactive, fluorescing compound and, upon light activation in the presence of oxygen, singlet oxygen is formed which causes damage to cellular compartments of the light-exposed target cells, in particular the mitochondria.

Aldara

Aldara

Cream containing 5% imiquimod, an immune response modifier that is effective against viral infections and acts as an anti-tumour agent, principally by induction of alpha interferon and other cytokines.

Efudix

Efudix

Topical cytostatic cream preparation with 5% fluorouracil that exerts a beneficial therapeutic effect on neoplastic and pre-neoplastic skin lesions without damaging normal skin. The pattern of response follows this sequence: erythema, vesiculation, erosion, ulceration, necrosis and epithelialisation.

Klisyri 10mg/g Ointment

An ointment for actinic keratosis containing 10mg/g tirbanibulin, applied daily over a 5-day course.

Metvix Cream

After topical application of Metvix (methyl aminolevulinate), porphyrins accumulate intracellularly in the treated skin lesions. The intracellular porphyrins (including PplX) are photoactive, fluorescing compounds and, on light activation in the presence of oxygen, singlet oxygen is formed, which causes damage to cellular compartments, in particular the mitochondria. Light activation of accumulated porphyrins leads to a photochemical reaction and thereby phototoxicity to the light-exposed target cells

Solaraze 3% Gel

An NSAID gel for actinic keratosis containing 3% diclofenac.

Zyclara

Zyclara

Cream with 3.75% imiquimod, is an immune response modifier that is the lead compound of the imidazoline family.