Keratosis

Do you have any idea what those skin lesions might be? This extra thickening of keratin – a protein inherent in the skin – is commonly known as keratosis. In general, treatment is undertaken for the following reasons: to prevent its development into cancer or other malignant tumors; or in cases of benign keratosis, to eliminate discomfort or plainly to remove the presence of these unsightly skin blemishes. There are various treatment modalities for keratosis and to know which one you should choose, you must first identify the type of keratosis you have and its underlying cause. This will not be that simple for there are three keratosis types. These three – actinic keratosis, seborrheic and keratosis pilaris – together with their treatments, will be the main limelight of this article.

Also popularly known as “solar keratosis” and “senile keratosis, actinic keratosis will be the first in our agenda. The formation of bumps that are consolidated, rough and diverse in color but usually reddish to brownish on sun-exposed body parts is its symptom. The causes are identified to be unprotected overexposure to the sun made worse by increasing age. Individuals acquiring actinic keratosis are immediately anxious because of its precancerous property. Therefore, this should be treated at the earliest stage possible to impede its progression to cancer. Drug therapy, cryosurgery, laser therapy, the use of light combined with dye, the use of high electric current or surgery are the treatment preferences for actinic keratosis.

Differently, the typical lesions of seborrheic keratosis are located on parts of the body not usually exposed such as the chest and the back. However, from all its dissimilarities with actinic keratosis, the quality that stands out the most is its waxiness or greasiness. In addition, this does not lead to cancer. Therefore, you will worry only about your physical appearance and the minor skin complications that result from your skin touching your clothes. Family history and overexposure to the sun are the relevant factors in this type of keratosis’ production. . Due to its inability to cause cancer, treatment is only optional. But if appearance is your worry, you can choose among the following treatment modes. These are the use of laser, the use of high electric current, the use of surgical instruments, curettage or the use of cryogens.

Family history is the single most important factor in the existence of the third type – keratosis pilaris, alternately called follicular keratosis. This is also characterized by rough bumps on the skin, usually red and that are usually located at the back and outer arm. Its cause is the overgrowth of keratin resulting to hair follicle enclosure and the eventual formation of tiny, almost rock-like bumps. Like seborrheic keratosis, it only needs treatment for the symptoms. Symptoms are managed with photodynamic therapy, laser therapy or drug therapy.

In conclusion, various treatments for each type of keratosis are already available and I believe they will continue to grow. Therefore, to avoid all of the aforementioned negative health outcomes, you need to maintain your skin integrity. And this is done through proper diet, adequate hydration, regular exercise and adequate rest and sleep. With these hopefully you and avoid keratosis.

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