Since keratosis treatment is a broad subject, the discussion will be kept as concisely comprehensive as possible. Before anything else, let us first define what is 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 principal constituent of the epidermis itself. Seborrheic keratosis, keratosis pilaris, actinic keratosis, and cutaneous horns are several examples of skin problems that are called keratosis. It can affect only a few parts of your skin but it can also affect the entire body.
Varying in size, cutaneous horns are keratinous skin tumors. Usually localized and small in size, cutaneous horns are often benign. On the other hand, cutaneous horns might also end up as being malignant or premalignant. These keratinous skin tumors have been associated with radiation as part of the effects of being exposed to it. For fast removal, use a sterile blade to take away the toughened, dead “horns” of keratin. Other individuals with the condition engage in chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery as treatment.
Actinic keratosis is a potentially precancerous malignant skin condition that appears as reddish crusty patches of skin that may look scaly. Typically targeting people with fair skin, actinic keratosis has been shown to be caused by over exposure to the sun unprotected. To prevent the chances that actinic keratosis will become squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer, treatment must 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 may 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.
Otherwise known as follicular keratosis, keratosis pilaris appears on the skin as a follicular condition that manifests as irregular, uneven bumps. These bumps can appear on the tops of the legs, buttocks, flanks, thighs, hands, etc. This form of keratosis is actually a glut of keratin which traps hair follicles in the pore by surrounding the pores. Engaging in palliative treatments is suggested. Use of creams that contain Triamcinolone or Tretinoin can also help treat the skin condition.
Seborrheic keratosis refers to skin growth that is always benign and typically appears among the elderly. 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.
Treatment for seborrheic keratosis is not very necessary since it is noncancerous. However, if it becomes too itchy or if a lesion that has been picked becomes infected, cryosurgery can be used to remove the lesions. Other ways of keratosis treatment for seborrheic keratosis include shave excision, electrodessication and curettage, light electrocautery, and cryotherapy.
