Topical therapy for actinic keratoses, I: 5-Fluorouracil and imiquimod

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are evolving, malignant cutaneous neoplasms. AKs can be treated with physical or destructive methods and with topical therapies. This article is the first in a 2-part series that will review current topical therapeutic options for AKs. Several topical treatment options offer some significant benefit for the alleviation of these lesions. Therapies include 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, colchicine, and retinoids. The first part of this review will focus on topical 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod.