Keratosis is caused by over production of keratin. Our hair and nails is made up of keratin. This is what causes some types of keratosis to be rough, and bumpy. The good news is there are various treatments for any type of keratosis. The first move of course is medical consultation and diagnosis.
Treatments for Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis can be removed easily because they are just like viral warts in appearance.
• The actinic keratosis is solidified off in a method called cryosurgery. Once the AK is frozen, it is easier to take it off.
• In contrast of cryosurgery, electrocautery shaves off the affected area.
• Laser procedures for AK is very effective.
• Aldara is used for warts, but it can be also used for actinic keratosis. It is a kind of drug which modifies the immune response.
• 5 Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy agent. It is a cream or gel applied on the affected area, then the actinic keratosis reddens and swells and eventually falls off.
Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris
Commonly, KP is described as chicken skin. They are sometimes incorrectly identified as acne. Although there is no recognized cure for KP yet, it can be improved through the following procedures.
• The use of creams with Tretinoin, the acid form of vitamin A can help alleviate this condition. This kind of treatment is also used for acne. It also stimulates the outer layer of skin to grow faster so that the amount of keratin on skin will be reduced. There will be less chances of developing KP if hair follicles would not get clogged.
• Adapelene is a retinoid which moderates keratinization. It also has exfoliating properties.
Treatments for Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis and actinic keratosis are almost the same, but in this case seborrheic keratosis is greasy. Seborrheic keratosis is somewhat associated to the sebaceous glands, thus has greasy properties. Although it is not a great health danger, it could damage one’s self esteem. So the treatments for this include:
• Cryotherapy could also be administered to SK, but it is most effective in minor cases.
• Curette is used on SK in a method called curettage. Sometimes curettage is merged with cryosurgery for efficiency.
• Seborrheic keratosis can also be removed through laser treatments.
• Another form of SK treatment is electrocautery, which is also combined with curettage.
Now you are aware of the treatments, it is time to ask your doctor what type of treatment will be suitable for you.
