Usually on the face, ears, neck, or hands, actinic keratosis causes rough, scaly, or crusty patches of skin that are usually sun-exposed. As a precancerous condition, actinic keratosis can sometimes develop into a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. It is caused by years of exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun and tanning beds. One option that you may want to consider if you have actinic keratosis is direct primary care (DPC).
You can use a Direct Primary Care model to pay a monthly or annual fee to your primary care physician, and get unlimited access to their services without involving insurance companies.
The doctor spends more time with you: DPC doctors see fewer patients than traditional physicians, so they are able to spend more time with you. This allows them to examine your actinic keratosis condition thoroughly, address your concerns, and provide personalized advice and treatment. According to William Osler, a good physician treats the disease; a great physician treats the patient.
You can get care whenever and wherever you need it with DPC doctors' phone, email, and video chat services. You don't have to worry about scheduling appointments, waiting in line, or paying extra fees. Moreover, if you need urgent care, you can get it same-day or next-day. Time can never be recovered.
More prevention and wellness: DPC doctors focus on prevention and treatment of the root causes of your actinic keratosis, not just the symptoms. In addition to managing your sun exposure, skin health, medications, and other factors that affect your actinic keratosis, they can coordinate with specialists and labs for additional tests and treatments. Thomas Edison once said, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will be interested in the cause and prevention of disease, diet, and the care of the human frame."
DPC can offer you a customized and holistic approach to managing actinic keratosis. Here are some examples:
Based on your medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests if necessary, DPC doctors can diagnose your actinic keratosis using their clinical skills and experience. Your skin changes can also be ruled out by them as being caused by fungal infections or cancer.
DPC doctors can prescribe topical creams or lotions to lighten or smooth your actinic keratosis patches. They will also recommend over-the-counter products or home remedies to improve your skin's appearance and comfort. However, they will also emphasize that treating the underlying condition that causes actinic keratosis is the best way to treat it.
Actinic keratosis is primarily caused by sun exposure, which can be managed by DPC doctors. By using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and hats, avoiding peak sun hours, and using tanning beds, they can help you protect your skin from UV rays. Nutrition counseling, exercise guidance, stress management, sleep optimization, and more can all be provided by them.
You can get regular updates from your DPC doctors so you know what's going on with your actinic keratosis and underlying condition. They can adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide ongoing support and encouragement. In addition, they can detect any signs of skin cancer complications or progression and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
With DPC, you can get better care and management for your actinic keratosis and its underlying cause. Actinic keratosis is a common skin condition that can affect your physical and mental health. Personalized actinic keratosis management, more time with your doctor, more convenience, and more flexibility. According to Hippocrates, "Wherever medicine is loved, there is also love of humanity." DPC is a model of medicine that shows both love for patients and doctors.
