The safety of diclofenac for the management and treatment of actinic keratoses.
BACKGROUND
Actinic keratoses (AKs), defined as carcinoma in situ of squamous carcinoma, is usually induced by excessive sun exposure. The efficacy of 3% diclofenac in 2.5% hyaluronic acid gel for treatment of AKs has been documented in a few studies.


OBJECTIVE
Is diclofenac safe and effective for the management and treatment of AKs?


METHODS
All the papers that were cited in Medline and ISI Web of Science are included in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of diclofenac is associated with a few side effects, which include pruritus, rashes, dry skin, and scaling. These side effects are usually minimal and tolerable; therefore, this topical medication is suggested as the first line of treatment for AKs.
Iraji
Fariba
F
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, AlZahra Hospital, Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Dermatology Department, Isfahan, Iran. iraji@med.mui.ac.ir
Siadat
Amir Hossein
AH
Asilian
Ali
A
Enshaieh
Shahla
S
Shahmoradi
Zabiholah
Z
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005782:Gels; D004008:Diclofenac; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid