Frictional keratosis is a skin growth that can result from mild mechanical trauma or irritation of the skin. It could also arise from excess deposit of keratin due to a process called hyperkeratinization. This condition derives its name from the act of friction (another object constantly rubbing itself against the skin) and this may lead to Frictional keratosis patches. There are different types of frictional keratoses whose classification is based on the area that suffers friction and develops patches. They include:
- Tongue thrust keratosis is believed to develop when an individual’s tongue constantly rubs against the teeth.
- Lip-bite keratosis is caused by frequent involuntary biting of one’s lips.
- Toothbrush keratosis can develop when a person uses excessive force while brushing teeth and causes inflammations in one’s mouth.
The list can go on and on. The abovementioned categories of frictional keratosis should inform you that you need to be careful when you are brushing, for instance, so that you do not cause damage to your mouth and create a condition that will come to haunt you the rest of your life.
Research and studies demonstrate that frictional keratosis is most prevalent among young adults as well as teenagers. Despite the fact that frictional keratoses may be painful and sometimes chronic, they are not precancerous. They therefore do not need treatment as they often disappear after sometime unless the affected area is rubbed against repeatedly. Nevertheless, if any of the frictional keratosis fails to fade after four weeks, it is recommended that you visit your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Sometimes it is extremely difficult to read the symptoms of frictional keratosis until after you start feeling pain. There are those keratoses that are so hidden that they could be invisible to the naked eye till the doctor examines your mouth or carries out a biopsy. The white patches or thickening associated with constant friction or bites that gradually damage the lining of one’s moth, tongue, the gums, palate, lips, teeth and so on. When such friction is allowed to continue, it promotes keratin to grow thereby creating white lesions – a product of keratin thickening.
A person’s mouth is one of the most sensitive and important parts of the human body and should therefore be protected from any form of friction or irritation that has potential to cause frictional keratosis. See your doctor if the lesions become chronic and painful.
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