Do you know what those skin lesions might be? This is called keratosis – the development of additional protein named keratin in the skin. In general, treatment is undertaken for the following reasons: to prevent its development into cancer or other malignant tumors; or in cases of benign keratosis, to eliminate discomfort or plainly to remove the presence of these unsightly skin blemishes. The most important things to consider before choosing the treatment that is right for you are to let an specialist identify your keratosis type and to find out its cause. This will not be that simple for there are three keratosis types. In the following paragraphs, we will tackle these three types, namely, actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis and keratosis pilaris plus their treatments.
First up is actinic keratosis having the terms “solar keratosis” and “senile keratosis” as its alternate labels. This is manifested by the appearance of generally reddish to brownish stumpy, coarse bumps on parts of the body usually exposed to the sun for a long time. This is usually caused by overexposure to the sun aggravated by the process of aging. Individuals acquiring actinic keratosis are immediately concerned because of its malignant property. Since this type eventually leads to skin cancer, it is a must to receive appropriate treatment. Drug therapy, cryosurgery, laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, electrocautery or surgery are the treatment preferences for actinic keratosis.
On the other hand, the appearance in any part of the body but mostly on the chest and back of skin lesions considerably the same as actinic keratosis is the main symptom of seborrheic keratosis. However, from all its dissimilarities with actinic keratosis, the quality that stands out the most is its waxiness or greasiness. Moreover, unlike actinic keratosis, this type does not progress to cancer. Therefore, you will only be concerned by its appearance and by the itching, bleeding or inflammation brought about by its contact with clothing. Genetics and prolonged sun exposure are the causes of seborrheic keratosis . It actually does not need treatment for it is benign. But if appearance is your concern, you can choose among the following treatment modes. As with actinic keratosis, the affected individual can choose among laser treatments, electrocautery, surgery, curettage or cryosurgery.
Lastly, keratosis pilaris, commonly known as follicular keratosis, like seborrheic keratosis, has a genetic origin. This is also characterized by rough bumps on the skin, usually red and that are usually located at the back and outer arm. This type is caused by the growth of excess keratin which envelopes hair follicles; thus, the formation of minute, callous bumps. Since it is not cancerous, treatments are utilized only for symptom management including itch and discomfort. These treatments are the use of light, the use of laser or the use of prescribed medications usually in the form of topical creams.
In conclusion, various treatments for each type of keratosis are already available and I believe they will continue to grow. But if you hate to have skin cancer, to feel any discomfort due to skin itching, edema and unsightliness, you have to ensure the safety and health of your skin. And there is no other way of realizing this but by consuming healthy foods, drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day, exercising three to five times a week and sleeping for six to eight hours a day.
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