Keratosis Treatment at a Glance
Since keratosis treatment is a broad subject, the discussion will be kept as concisely comprehensive as possible. To start off, let us discuss about the word keratosis. People use this term to refer to an unusual growth of keratin that appears on a person’s epidermis. As for keratin, it is the primary constituent of the skin itself. Seborrheic keratosis, keratosis pilaris, actinic keratosis, as well as cutaneous horns are several examples of skin problems that are called keratosis. Keratosis as a condition can affect either small parts of your body, or its entirety.
Cutaneous horns that are actually keratinous skin tumors look like “horns” which differ in size. Usually localized and small in size, cutaneous horns are often benign. But they can also be malignant or premalignant. Studies show that cutaneous horns can be triggered by being exposed to radiation. For quick elimination, use a sterile blade to cut off the toughened, dead “horns” of keratin. Other forms of treatment include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Actinic keratosis is a potentially precancerous malignant skin condition that appears as reddish crusty patches of skin that may look scaly. Typically targeting individuals with fair skin, actinic keratosis has been shown to be caused by over exposure to the sunlight unprotected. To prevent the chances that actinic keratosis will become squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer, treatment should be administered as soon as possible. The backs of your hands, your chest, forearms, ears, scalp, face, neck, lips, etc. are commonly the most exposed to the sun’s rays which is why actinic keratosis typically appears on them. Keratosis treatment for this condition may include photodynamic therapy, electrocautery, cryosurgery, use of medicated creams like 5-fluorouracil, and use of lasers. Regular check ups are a must after finishing treatment, according to medical professionals.
Otherwise identified as follicular keratosis, keratosis pilaris show ups on the skin as a follicular condition that manifests as irregular, uneven bumps. The bumps often show up on people’s buttocks, thighs, flanks, hands, and the tops of the legs. This type of keratosis is really a glut of keratin which traps hair follicles in the pore by surrounding the pores. Engaging in palliative treatments is recommended. Keratosis pilaris may also be cured using creams that have Triamcinolone or Tretinoin.
Seborrheic keratosis refers to skin growth that is always benign and often shows up among the elderly. Reasons for this skin condition are still very not clear. Seborrheic keratosis show up like warts on the skin, come from keratinocytes and can range from black in color to light tan.
Treatment for seborrheic keratosis is unnecessary since it is noncancerous. However, infected lesions can need cryosurgery if the infection is bad or if the itchiness is too much. Other methods of keratosis treatment for seborrheic keratosis include shave excision, electrodessication and curettage, light electrocautery, as well as cryotherapy.
