Dealing with such a broad subject such as keratosis treatment, this article will only provide you a concise overview of the many forms of keratosis treatment. Let us first talk about keratosis on its own. It is a term that is often used to describe a growth of keratin on a person’s skin. As for keratin, it is the principal constituent of the skin itself. The term keratosis can be used to refer to cutaneous horns, actinic keratosis, keratosis pilaris, and seborrheic keratosis. Keratosis as a condition may affect either small parts of your body, or its entirety.
Keratinous skin tumors called cutaneous horns usually appear like “horns” that can come in various sizes. Often benign, these “horns” are often localized and appear small. On the other hand, there is a chance that they may become malignant or premalignant. These keratinous skin tumors have been related with radiation as part of the effects of being exposed to it. The quickest treatment for this form of keratosis is by using a sterile razor to remove the hardened, dead keratin. Other forms of treatment include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
With Actinic keratosis, the reddish spots of hard, scaly skin that are its symptoms can become a precancerous malignant skin condition. This skin condition is prevalent among people that have fair skin and seems to be caused by unprotected, chronic exposure to the sunlight. In order for the actinic keratosis not to develop into squamous cell carcinoma, a skin cancer, immediate treatment must be given to the afflicted individual. Sun-exposed areas, like the backs of hands, forearms, face, neck, ears, scalp, chest, or lips are the most commonly affected parts of the body. Keratosis treatment for this condition may include photodynamic therapy, electrocautery, cryosurgery, use of medicated creams like 5-fluorouracil, and use of lasers. After treatment, doctors advise the patient to have regular check-ups.
Otherwise known as follicular keratosis, keratosis pilaris show ups 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. When an excess amount of keratin is produced and entraps hair follicles in their pores, this causes keratosis pilaris. Palliative treatments are advised. Triamcinolone or Tretinoin-containing creams also help in treating keratosis pilaris.
Seborrheic keratosis refers to skin growth that is always benign and commonly appears among the elderly. Its cause is really unclear. 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, infected lesions can need cryosurgery if the infection is bad or if the itchiness is too much. Other ways of keratosis treatment for seborrheic keratosis include shave excision, electrodessication and curettage, light electrocautery, and cryotherapy.
