Actinic keratosis (AK), referred as solar keratosis is a scaly and crusty growth caused by the damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These precancerous skin lesions appear on the skin frequently exposed to the artificial sources of UV light, such as tanning machines or the sun. The skin lesions appear elevated, rough textured, and resemble warts. Actinic keratosis reflects abnormal skin cell development, due to DNA damage by short wavelength ultraviolet B (UVB). Individuals working with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), such as coal or tar are at a higher risk of getting AKs, as they are mostly exposed to the UV rays and tar. A small percentage of actinic keratosis lesions have the potential to eventually culminate into a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma. Prevention of actinic keratosis is important, as the condition can precede cancer or be an early form of skin cancer. Skin biopsy is indicated for the conformation of the diagnosis and to eradicate invasive squamous cell carcinoma for the advanced lesions.

Increasing complications associated with actinic keratosis is expected to fuel the actinic keratosis market

The treatment of actinic keratosis as a part of preventive strategy for the reduction of interrelated disorders, such as non-melanoma skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma is coming to the forefront. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2015, approximately 60% of squamous cell carcinomas of the skin probably arise from actinic keratosis. Therefore, the rising incidences of skin cancers, such as intra epidermal squamous cell carcinoma, invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma is expected to augment the market growth. Moreover, the wide presence and easy availability of generic drugs for the treatment for actinic keratosis is expected to boost the market growth. However, lack of medical awareness about the skin condition, available treatments, and delayed diagnosis are some of the factors restraining the global actinic keratosis market.

The global actinic keratosis market is segmented on the basis of treatment type, end user, and geography:

On the basis of treatment type, the global actinic keratosis treatment market is segmented into:

Topical treatment

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) Cream



Imiquimod Cream



Diclofenac sodium gel



Ingenol mebutate gel



Others

Surgical Procedures

Cryosurgery



Curettage or Scrapping



Electrocautery



Laser Surgery



Others

Photodynamic therapy

On the basis of end user, the actinic keratosis treatment market is segmented into:

Hospitals

Dermatologist Clinics

Oncology Centers

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Others

Rapid medical tourism in Asia Pacific is expected to facilitate the actinic keratosis market

Regional segmentation of the actinic keratosis market by Coherent Market Insights comprises North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America is expected to dominate the global actinic keratosis market, owing to the presence of abundant treatment options in the region, development of combination therapy in addition to the monotherapy treatment, and sequential actinic keratosis treatment assessed in clinical trials. According to the National Institute of Health, 2015, actinic keratosis is the second most common diagnosis made by dermatologists with an estimated 5.2 million U.S. population, which visits physician for AK annually, amounting approximately US$ 920 million for the physician visit and treatment. Asia Pacific is expected to witness rapid growth actinic keratosis market, owing to the rapid medical tourism in India and China and the increasing focus of government to improve the healthcare facilities by developing efficacious noninvasive treatment for the condition.

Commitment of major players to develop the effective photodynamic therapy to rise the demand for actinic keratosis treatment

The key players operating the actinic keratosis market are DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tolmar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Perrigo Company plc, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Aqua Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Galderma SA, LEO Laboratories, and Apotex. The major manufacturers are committed to developing innovative products that can effectively manage skin conditions, such as actinic keratosis (AKs). For instance, actinic keratosis treatment with Levulan Kerastick and BLU-U photodynamic therapy illuminator with blue light illumination introduced by DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is indicated for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratosis of the face or scalp.