Microneedling + TCA Peel for Actinic Keratosis and Skin Cancer

The investigators' previous studies demonstrate geriatric subject skin responds differently to ultraviolet B (UVB) light compared to young subject skin, which contribute to increased rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and actinic keratosis (AK) development in geriatric populations. Previously, the investigators have shown that therapeutic dermal remodeling interventions (e.g., fractionated laser resurfacing and microneedling) can restore appropriate skin responses to UVB in geriatric skin. The investigators also demonstrated fractionated laser resurfacing (FLR) reduced rates of NMSC and AK development (compared to untreated control skin) in at risk geriatric subjects.

This interventional study will assess the ability of two therapeutic dermal remodeling therapies, microneedling and trichloroacetic acid chemical (TCA) peel, to impact NMSC and AK development in at risk geriatric subjects. Geriatric subjects will be enrolled into one of two study groups. In the first group, one arm will be treated with microneedling and the other arm will not be treated on day 1. In the second group, one arm will be treated with TCA peel and the other arm will not be treated on day 1. Subjects will subsequently be monitored for number of NMSC and AK on treated and untreated (control) forearms in each group. In addition to monitoring NMSC and AK development, subjects at the Richard L. Roudebush VAMC will undergo skin punch biopsy at one of their follow up visits for microscopic and molecular analyses of treated and untreated skin.