Seborrheic Keratosis & Actinic Keratosis: What’s The Difference?
Seborrheic Keratosis is a harmless skin growth that grows on the epidermis layer of the skin, whereas actinic keratosis refers to a dangerous malignant growth that develops in the skin.
Actinic keratosis is referred to by dermatologists as “pre-cancerous” because of its tendency to develop into skin cancer. These usually develop into a malignant growth known as squamous cell. They attack a healthy body by forming squamous cell carcinoma which spreads to the inner parts of the body. Studies by health care professionals term this type of keratosis as life threatening. It can develop into skin cancer if a dermatologist is not consulted soonest possible. These are completely different to seborrhoeic keratosis, but if you are not sure of the differences you should always get a change in your skin checked by a doctor. Here we will highlight some of the differences between the two.
Seborrheic Keratosis grows only at the top layer of the skin. At first they appear as small bumps but with time they multiply and enlarge producing horny surfaces. On the other hand, skin cancer comes as result of some types SKs which are far much serious than normal SKs.
There are variety of differences and similarities of SKs and skin cancer. The Seborrheic keratosis, to begin with, is round or oval shaped with defined borders that tempt one to try and scrape them off. For the malignant growth it’s a different case. The skin cancer outgrowths are reddish or dark. The appearance is very worrisome since they look like sores.
Seborrheic keratosis & skin cancer are caused by many factors. After keen studies, analysts suggested that skin cancer can arise due to over exposure of the harmful ultra violent rays from the sun. In addition, non healing wounds as a result of SKs can gradually spread internally to become malignant growths. Most of these chronic wounds may exist due to allergic reactions which irreversibly harms the skin. For SKs they can be hereditary among specific families. This means benign growths can appear even on children from certain extended families.
Generally, the two seem to share similar features. So administering a diagnosis can be the only way to distinguish Seborrheic and the skin cancer. Observation can’t disintegrate the two. Unlike SKs which can be left to disappear on their own, malignant growth might call for micrographic surgery, photodynamic therapy, etc.
If the dermatologists’ results show the skin growth is Seborrheic keratosis then the condition can be resolved by a simple home treatment. Low sugary and low fat diets are bound to bring good results. Observing hygiene is equally essential.
Many people believe that Seborrheic keratosis and skin cancer can be prevented by avoiding direct sun rays exposure but there are other factors which come into play. For instance, adopting unhealthy lifestyle like smoking is tipped as a major threat.
Reported cases of both Seborrheic & Actinic keratosis are on the increase in contrast to the past. It’s advisable to comprehend these causes, diagnosis and treatment and keep your skin healthy and safe through out your life time.
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