Management of benign skin lesions commonly affecting the face: actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, and rosacea

Abstract

Patients commonly present to the otolaryngologist for management of benign facial lesions. It is important to be able to both recognize these lesions and offer patients the most effective therapies currently available. Advances in the understanding and management of three of the more common benign skin lesions affecting the face will be addressed in this review, with a particular emphasis on the most current therapeutic options for each lesion. Actinic keratosis can now be treated with photodynamic therapy or with many topical agents, as alternatives to traditional surgical techniques. Seborrheic keratosis, as well as actinic keratosis and rosacea, are now often treated with laser therapy. In addition, rosacea management now includes nonantimicrobial topical agents, such as azelaic acid, and a wider armamentarium of systemic agents. An understanding of these options will allow the clinician to provide patients with optimal treatment outcomes while minimizing unfavorable side effects.