The following is just rundown of the various types of keratosis treatment, given the topic’s broadness. Prior to anything else, let us first determine what is keratosis. It often refers to the abnormal growth of keratin on one’s epidermis. Keratin is the main organic constituent of the epidermis. Cutaneous horns, seborrheic keratosis, keratosis pilaris, as well as actinic keratosis are just some of the skin conditions that may be referred to as forms of keratosis. With keratosis, you may either have several parts of you that will be affected or your entire body covered with it.
Differing in size, cutaneous horns are keratinous skin tumors. Often benign, these “horns” are often localized and show up small. On the other hand, cutaneous horns may also end up as being malignant or premalignant. Cutaneous horns are said to be triggered by radiation. For quick elimination, use a sterile blade to take away the toughened, dead “horns” of keratin. Other people with the condition engage in chemotherapy, radiation therapy as well as surgery as treatment.
Actinic keratosis has been known to be malignant, and may turn precancerous if the reddish spots of flaking, crusty skin are untreated. This skin condition is prevalent among people that have fair skin and seems to be caused by unprotected, chronic exposure to the sun’s rays. To prevent the chances that actinic keratosis will become squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer, treatment should be administered as soon as possible. Visibly exposed body areas to the sun, such as ears, scalp, face, neck, forearms, the backs of the hands, chest, or lips, are the common target areas of the body. Treatment for this kind of keratosis can be done using photodynamic therapy, electrocautery, cryosurgery, lasers or medicated creams like 5-fluorouracil. After treatment, doctors advise the patient to have regular check-ups.
Keratosis pilaris, or follicular keratosis, is a follicular condition that commonly appears coarse, uneven bumps on the skin. These bumps can appear on the tops of the legs, buttocks, flanks, thighs, hands, etc. When an excess amount of keratin is created and entraps hair follicles in their pores, this causes keratosis pilaris. Palliative treatments are advised. Use of creams that contain Triamcinolone or Tretinoin can also help treat the skin condition.
The last kind, seborrheic keratosis, is prevalent among the elderly and is a benign skin growth. Reasons for this skin condition are still very not clear. It comes from keratinocytes, looks like warts and can appear in shades from light tan to black.
Since it is noncancerous, no treatment is necessary. On the other hand, if the itchiness too hard to bear and if the lesions have become infected, cryosurgery is what you require. Light electrocautery, cryotherapy, shave excision, electrodessication and curettage can also be used in this case.
