About Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis in one of the most common forms of keratosis. It is also referred to as senile wart and is common in old men. Seborrheic keratoses are characterized by benign skin growths which are noncancerous and originate in the cells known as keratinocytes. This type of keratosis is very common with the older generation and is the reason why it is called the barnacles of old age. The appearance of the bumps or warts varies in color with many of them having a blackish color. Others will have a slight tan that is light. These bumps can grow to 2.5 meters in size and are round or oval in shape.
Causes of seborrheic keratosis
The causes of seborrheic keratosis are not entirely clear to researchers. However since they commonly occur on the areas that are exposed to sunlight continuously, many experts believe that the condition is caused by ultra violet rays from the sunlight. Genetics might also play a part in the cause of this condition. Research has shown that gene coding for a growth factor receptor can experience mutation and result in seborrheic keratoses. Stress has also been linked with the exacerbation of tumors which are already preexisting. This means that a person suffering from stress can effectively worsen a preexisting case of seborrheic keratoses.
Treatment of seborrheic keratosis
A seborrheic keratosis does not require treatment if it is diagnosed correctly. The only risk associated with this condition is infection as a result of scratching the lesions due to a feeling of itchiness. The good thing about these lesions is that if a growth becomes really itchy or is irritated by jewelry or certain materials, then you can choose to have surgery sand remove it. The surgery to remove these lesions is cryosurgery. Light electrocautery can be used to treat small lesions while electrodesiccation or cryosurgery is used to remove larger lesions which are itchy and irritated easily.
It is important to understand that seborrheic keratoses are not cancerous thus you do not need to panic once you suspect that you might have it. It is however very important for you to visit your physician and ask him to recommend possible treatments for you if you cannot live with those lesions. A trained physician or doctor is the best person to advise you on the way forward regarding the condition. Many people hear of seborrheic keratosis and start looking for their own treatment remedies which do not work. Buying over the counter creams and ointments in an attempt to cover your spots is quite dangerous and might even worsen the situation.
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