Hyperkeratinization of skin is the main source of keratosis. Keratin is the main component of human hair and fingernail and toenails. When it is produced excessively, skin problems like keratosis can occur. Distinctive types have different symptoms and corresponding treatment.
Actinic keratosis is also known as solar or senile keratosis. AK is said to be caused by too much exposure to the sun’s UV radiation and is associated with old age, thus it is sometimes called solar keratosis or senile keratosis. Actinic Keratosis is a premalignant skin condition and these precancerous skin lesions sometimes lead to squamous cell carcinoma. The main attributes of actinic keratosis is its thick, crusty and scaly bumps appearing on the parts of the body exposed mostly to the sun. Actinic keratosis must be removed immediately to prevent it to developing into cancer.
The good news is that there is a wide range of treatments available for actinic keratosis. It could be surgical or non surgical. Surgical treatments include cryotherapy (use of liquid nitrogen in freezing off), electrocautery (uses electricity in burning off) and laser (Er-YAG lasers). These kinds of surgery are recommended for severe cases. If you fear surgeries, there are creams which can help remove actinic keratosis.
Imiquimod can cure actinic keratosis effectively. It’s under the immune response modifier type of drugs. A doctor’s recommendation is needed to acquire the drug. The skin could look unsightly during treatments and major discomforts could be experienced. But the result after the treatment is satisfying.
5-flourouracil is the generic name for drugs such as Carac. It is commonly used for chemotherapy but it works for actinic keratosis as well. All the patient has to do is apply the cream with his or her fingers. The treated skin could swell, hurt or itch as side effects. In other cases, skin discoloration and scarring also happens. But these are just experienced during treatment. Before using Efudex, one must disclose to his or her doctor the drugs you are taking. Fluorouracil can have adverse effects on a pregnant or lactating woman, so it must be avoided. You should reduce sun exposure plus the use of sunscreens when using Efudex.
A medical recommendation is significant before you go through any sort of treatment.
Seborrheic keratosis is just like actinic keratosis, the main distinction is its greasiness. An SK is also not as hazardous as an AK since it is noncancerous. Seborrheic keratosis is affected by keratinocytes. The appearance of seborrheic keratosis donates to its name “barnacles of old age”. Its cause is still uncertain.
Treatments for seborrheic keratosis include cryosurgery and electrocautery. Electodessication and curettage is used for instances that are big enough. Surgical excision employs a scalpel in removing the affected areas.
If you already have these skin afflictions remedied, then you must take care of your skin in future. Keratoses could occur again if you neglect your beauty routine. You should always see a doctor who will advise the best form of keratosis treatment for you.
Recent Seborrheic Keratosis Articles:
Seborrheic Keratosis And Hydroquinone
Seborrheic Keratosis In The USA
