23 50 In Simplest Form

Keratosis refers to any skin disorder that involves the abnormal growth of a poly peptide in the peel called keratin. Changes in keratin levels lead to visible growths on the skin that vary in appearance. There are several types of keratosis, which range in their severity of symptoms and treatment recommendations. The iii well-nigh common types of keratosis are actinic keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, and keratosis pilaris. Read on to find out more near the unique qualities of each type.

Actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis) is the progressive appearance of a rough and scaly patch of peel that develops from years of exposure to UV lite from the sun or tanning beds. It is most common on areas of the peel that are frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face up, ears, dorsum of the hands, forearms, scalp, or neck. Symptoms of actinic keratosis can include:

A dry or rough patch of peel (normally less than one inch in diameter)
A flat to slightly raised patch of skin
A wart-like patch on your skin
A cluster of pimples
Discoloration. Affected skin color can range from pink to reddish to brown
Itching, tenderness, burning or haemorrhage in the afflicted area
Lack of healing over fourth dimension

Actinic keratosis can be precancerous. In nigh i in 10 cases, it can lead to squamous jail cell carcinoma, which is non life-threatening as long as you discover it and treat it early on. If actinic keratosis is suspected, information technology is important to see a doctor or dermatologist right away. They can diagnose skin growths by a concrete exam, or they may order a biopsy to examine the pare cells more than closely. If the growth is precancerous, you lot can treat or remove the lesion in numerous ways. These include:

Topical medications
Cryotherapy: sometimes known as cold therapy. It uses extreme cold to destroy tissue.
Curettage: shaving the skin's surfaces
Laser therapy
Chemical peels

Protecting pare from the lord's day is the best way to prevent the development of actinic keratosis and the risk of skin cancer. Remember to use sunscreen regularly and keep vulnerable areas of the skin covered past clothing or hats.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis leads to skin growths that are generally harmless; they are not malignant and non contagious. The exact crusade of these peel growths is non known. They are most common on the upper body (breast, back, head, and cervix). The following characteristics can identify them:

Discoloration. Affected peel color may appear light tan, chocolate-brown, or black
A growth that is round or oval shape
A flat or slightly elevated growth with a waxy, scaly, or wart-like surface
Itchiness in the affected area

In most cases, a doctor tin can diagnose seborrheic keratosis by visually examining the affected area. Sometimes a seborrheic keratosis may resemble a lesion caused by pare cancer. So, to rule out skin cancer, your doctor may recommend removing the growth to examine the lesion nether a microscope. In virtually cases, seborrheic keratosis is not-cancerous and requires no medical intervention. But, if the growths are bothersome, you may choose to take the seborrheic keratosis growths removed. Like to actinic keratosis, you can remove the patch or lesion with:

Cryotherapy
Curettage
Laser therapy
Chemical peels

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris occurs when pores in the skin become clogged with dead skin cells that contain keratin. This leads to visible bumps most ordinarily found on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age and typically lasts for many years. This type of keratosis does not crusade any pain and is usually non-cancerous. It also does not have any long-term health implications. Symptoms of keratosis pilaris may include:

Small discolored or acne-like bumps
Red and inflamed areas of the skin
Dry or rough patches of peel
Itchiness
Improvement in the summer and worsening in colder months

Keratosis pilaris tends to run in families. It is more mutual in individuals who also have asthma, eczema, seasonal allergies, or are taking sure medications to treat skin melanoma. A physician can diagnose this skin condition after talking to yous most your medical history during a routine concrete exam.

If the symptoms of keratosis pilaris get bothersome, at that place are ways to help forbid the buildup of skin cells that cake the pores. Gentle exfoliation and moisturizing the skin regularly are available home remedies. If symptoms practice not improve, talk with your doctor about treatment options, including topical medications or laser therapy.

Medical content reviewed past Madeline Hubbard, RN, BSN

Resource Links:

"Keratosis Pilaris: Who Gets and Causes" via American University of Dermatology Association
"Keratosis pilaris" via NHS
"Actinic Keratosis: Diagnosis and Treatment" via American Academy of Dermatology Association
"Actinic Keratosis" via Mayo Clinic
"Seborrheic Keratosis" via Mayo Clinic