Keratosis

Keratosis General Information

This medical term defines a medical condition that is characterized by the abnormal growth of keratin on the patient’s skin. This medical condition can affect patients in one of its three forms: the solar (actinic) form, the seborrheic form and the pilaris (follicular) form. Actinic Keratosis leads to the appearance of a crusty or scaly bump on the patient’s skin. It may be the first step in the development of cancer of the skin (for this reason, it is widely called pre-cancer). Scientists estimate than about 12% of active lesions (those that are more tender and redder than the rest) will become cancerous (will develop into squamous cell carcinomas). The most aggressive form of this disorder is Actinic Cheilitis. Seborrheic Keratosis defines the presence of wart-like growths that appear on the patient’s skin surface. Luckily, these lesions are benign. The origin of this benign skin tumor is not yet known. This disorder generally affects patients of over 40 years old. The color of the tumors is quite varied. Although they are painless, they may itch as they become irritated. Some patients find it psychologically distressing due to their disfiguring nature.

The pilaris form of Keratosis is actually a quite commonly encountered skin medical disorder that leads to the appearance of small bumps (similar to acne) and of rough patches. These lesions generally develop on the patient’s thighs and arms. Although most patients are not pleased with the sandpaper-like appearance of their skin, this medical disorder is not a severe one, as it does not lead to the development of severe (dangerous) complications. However, the presence of this medical condition is quite frustrating because the lesions are difficult to cure and treat. However, in time, with an adequate therapy option their appearance will improve.

Keratosis Symptoms

The actinic form of this medical condition determines the appearance of bumps on the patient’s skin. They are of various sizes (their diameter can reach an inch or they may be of the size of a pinhead). Their color also varies from one patient to another; the lesions may be: red, tan, pink, dark, light, and so on. The crust that appears on the bumps is rough, dry and horn-like. You can recognize it both by sight and by touch. In some cases, the lesions itch or become abnormally tender (especially after they have been exposed to direct sunlight). They sometimes appear and disappear as they please. The symptoms that are triggered by the presence of the Seborrheic Keratosis appear as skin growths that appear as single or multiple lesions. Some of them present a pasted-on appearance. Their shape is generally oval or round. In some cases, the lesions presented waxy surface. Most patients have described their skin growths as flat surfaces that are slightly elevated, that are of a wart-like or of a rough texture. The most commonly encountered colors include: black, brown, yellow and so on. The growths are generally located on the patient’s black, shoulders, chest, face, and so on.

Keratosis Pilaris determines the development of acne-like bumps that are quite small. The lesions are painless; however, they may become inflamed or red, especially if they have been exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time. The lesions commonly appear as rough, dry patches that affect the patient’s buttocks, legs and / or arms. However, some patients developed the bumps on their face (in these cases, they are often confused with acne). If they affect the patient’s face, they may lead to the development of small scars. This disorder generally affects children. However, adults of any age are also prone to developing it.

Keratosis Treatment

Not all types of Keratosis need to be removed. You should discuss this aspect with your personal health care provider. The decision on whether to remove the lesions or not should also depend on the patient’s heath, age and nature of the lesion.

Cryosurgery is one of the most effective and most common therapy options that are performed in the fight against the actinic form of this medical condition. Liquid nitrogen is applied on the lesions, freezing them. This procedure does not require anesthesia; it does not determine any bleeding. Curettage is another effective therapy option. It involves scraping the lesion and malignancy testing. Through cautery, the physician will control the bleeding. Another way of dealing with your Actinic Keratosis is through shave removal. In this way, the lesion’s base is destroyed. Cauterization is employed to stop the bleeding. The use of topical creams is widely employed in the therapy against this type of disorder. This therapy option is generally employed when the individual presents numerous lesions. Aldara, Crac, Efudex, are only a couple of the medical products that are employed in the therapy against this condition.

There is no single therapy option that is able to improve the patient’s Keratosis Pilaris. However, most treatment trials focus on the softening of the unpleasant keratin deposits that are found on the patient’s skin. The use of medicated creams and the taking of self-care measures are recommended in such clinical cases. In the therapy against this medical condition, your personal health care provider may prescribe you some of the following medicines: Urea (Keralac, Carmol) – is able to soften and moisturize rough and dry skin; it loosens and removes the dead cells of the skin; Topical retinoids (Tazorac, Avita, Retin-A Micro, and so on) – promote cell turnover and prevent the hair follicle’s plugging; Topical corticosteroids – suppress the organism’s immune system, decreasing the cell turnover; low potency preparations of this kind are prescribed for sensitive areas (for example, for the patient’s face); Ammonium lactate (Lac-Hydrin).

The seborrheic type of Keratosis is a painless, benign medical condition. The main therapy option against this type of therapy involves the removal of the unpleasant growths. This procedure is quite simple; scaring is known to be uncommon. However, the presence of trunk growths may leave the skin with a lighter color. Although most lesions do not re-occur after their initial removal, some patients may develop more lesions in the future. Misdiagnosis of this condition is quite common. A skin lesion biopsy should clear any remaining doubts regarding the correct diagnosis.