Actinic & Seborrheic Keratosis
Actinic & Seborrheic Keratosis are skin conditions caused by excessive keratin production in the skin. Keratin is the main component of human hair, fingernails and toenails. There are many types of keratoses, each varying in nature and causes.
Actinic Keratosis
Solar keratosis or senile keratosis is actinic keratosis scientifically. This skin condition is common in elderly people, and to people who get too much sun exposure, thus the names senile or solar keratosis. Actinic Keratosis is a premalignant skin condition and these precancerous skin lesions sometimes lead to squamous cell carcinoma. It is commonly characterized by being thick, crusty and wart like bumps, growing on sun exposed areas of the skin. One must be concerned if he or she has this, for it can progress into a skin cancer later.
Actinic Keratosis Treatments
It is a relief that actinic keratosis can be removed in many ways. It could be surgical or non surgical. Laser treatments, cryotherapy and electrocautery are some of the surgical treatments presented for actinic keratosis. It depends on your case if these treatments fit you. There are also non surgical treatments, involving keratosis removal creams.
Aldara and Beselna are popular imiquimod creams. It’s under the immune response modifier classification of drugs. You need a doctor’s prescription to acquire this. The skin could look unpleasant during treatments and major discomforts could be experienced. But after all the things you need to bear, you’ll be satisfied with the result.
Efudex is a form of 5-fluorouracil, an anti cancer drug. The drug is a topical cream also employed for chemotherapy. All the patient has to do is put on the cream with his or her fingers. Swelling, pain and itching can occur on the treated area. In rare chances, discoloration of the skin and scars can occur, but these are just experienced during treatment. Before using Efudex, one must disclose to his or her doctor the drugs you are taking. Pregnant and lactating women are not advised to take Efudex. While using Efudex, you must evade sun exposure or use sunscreens.
Before engaging in any treatments, be sure you have consulted a doctor or a dermatologist.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis resembles actinic keratosis, but in this case, it could be waxy or greasy. It is a noncancerous benign skin growth, so it poses no other potential dangers. This kind of keratosis originates from keratinocytes and also involves the uppermost layers of the epidermis. The appearance of seborrheic keratosis donates to its name “barnacles of old age. The main reason it occurs is still unknown.
Seborrheic Keratosis Treatments
Treatments for actinic keratosis can also be employed for seborrheic keratosis such as cryosurgery, laser and electrocautery. In bigger cases, electrodessication (drying the SK up using electricity) and curettage could be employed. With surgical excision, a scalpel is used in place of a curette.
Once you have solved these skin problems, you have to take very good care of it to avoid further sun damage. These conditions can become worse if not taken care of accordingly.
